The Newcastle Falcons England Rugby Academy is one of 14 similar academies based around the country. The programme was launched nationally in 2001 with each of the 12 Premiership clubs plus 2 other sites being afforded a geographical service area from which to identify and develop the most talented young rugby players in England. The scheme is run by the Elite Department of the Rugby Football Union in line with the World Class Performance Plan and is delivered on a local basis by the individual professional clubs. The regional academy programme sits alongside the representative playing pathways and is athlete centred, development driven and competition supported. Each regional academy is accredited with an academy license based on their ability to foster an environment conducive to player development and the underlying principles are to provide opportunities for players to fulfil their potential at an elite level and realise their dreams of becoming professional and international players of the future.

 The club perspective
 
The Academy here at Newcastle Falcons is hugely important to us because it provides a clear route to professional rugby for local players. As a Premiership club we are fully aware that our long-term sustainability is dependant on a constant stream of talented young players coming through the academy ranks and into our first team squad. International stars such as Jonny Wilkinson, Jamie Noon, Tom May, Phil Dowson, Ben Woods, Mathew Tait, Toby Flood, Davey Wilson, Rory Best, Phil Godman and Micky Young have all come through our academy. It is quite phenomenal when you think back to all the players that have been a part of the academy and have gone on to great things, and because of this we will continue to invest in the development of our academy system.

Steve Bates
Director of Rugby