Big-tackling fullback/centre Alex joined the Falcons while attending Barnard Castle School.

Playing for England Under-18s a year young in 2005, he made his Falcons academy debut in the Langholm Sevens in the Scottish borders, helping the Falcons to victory as they demolished the Royal Scots Regiment in the final.

Scoring a hat-trick on his Falcons first team debut against Cetransa El Salvador during the 2007/8 season, Tait helped England Under-20s to a Grand Slam in the Six Nations that year, as well as the final of the IRB Under-20s Rugby World Cup.

School/university: Barnard Castle School, Newcastle University

Previous clubs: Consett

Nicknames: Alan, Scrunchy, Oscar The Grouch, Charlie Chalk, Casper, Taity, Junior Small Face

Favourite TV show: Lost

Favourite film: Shawshank Redemption

Favourite music: Killers, Coldplay, Dizzee Rascal

Favourite book: Fermat’s Lost Therom

Favourite food: Steak

Most like to meet: Hulk Hogan

Least like to meet: Jodie Marsh

Best moment in rugby: Winning the Home Nations with England U18s

Best moment outside of rugby: Skydiving in New Zealand

Favourite place to visit: High Force in Weardale

Team-mate least like to share a room with and why: Micky Young, cos he’s a pikey

I hate: Friends, brussel sprouts