Perry's joy at new deal

Falcons lock agrees two-year extension

Last updated: 5th March 2008

Perry

Perry: New deal

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Newcastle lock Andy Perry has admitted the Falcons have "a fantastic bunch of players" after agreeing a two-year contract extension.

Perry arrived at Kingston Park in 2005 from Plymouth Albion, making 64 appearances for the club.

And the former Royal Marine is delighted to extend his stay until the summer of the 2010.

"Newcastle is very much my home now, I feel like an adopted Geordie and I'm looking forward to the next two years at Kingston Park," he said.

"Having started as a professional player late in life I perhaps have an advantage even at 33, in that I still feel fresh and ready for the challenge of Guinness Premiership and European rugby for a long time to come.

"The Falcons pack is improving all the time, and we have a great bunch of players here with a fantastic supportive atmosphere among the group.

Committed

"John Fletcher, Peter Walton and Steve Bates are very professional in the way they go about their business, they are committed to driving the club forward and I want to continue to be part of that progression."

Newcastle director of rugby John Fletcher admitted that Perry's development played a part in him being offered a new deal.

Fletcher said: "Andy has improved year on year since he has been with us, and is currently playing the best rugby of his career.

"He is an outstanding person, a great character who contributes a lot to the squad and plays one of the most important positions on the pitch, so I'm delighted to have agreed this new deal."