The Keswick schoolboy's good news means he will now take up a place at Northumbria University while training full time with the Falcons.

Meanwhile, Wednesday’s match in Brisbane also saw fellow Falcon Alex Gray to the fore despite being two years young, with coach Chris Kibble stating: “Of particular note was the performance of Alex Gray who played at blindside flanker having just graduated up from England Under 16s.”

The Newcastle trio on the day was completed by Barnard Castle Schoolboy Rory Clegg, with the fly half taking up a place on the bench.