Beattie re-signs with Newcastle

Newcastle have moved to keep former Scotland international Ross Beattie at the club with the back-row agreeing a new one-year deal at Kingston Park.

Newcastle have moved to keep former Scotland international Ross Beattie at the club with the back-row agreeing a new one-year deal at Kingston Park.

The powerful ball-carrier forward spent much of last season recuperating from shoulder surgery, but made a big impact on his first home start during the victory over Guinness Premiership champions Leicester.

“I'm delighted to be staying at Newcastle, because this club means the world to me,” said a delighted Beattie.

“I have had a time away from the Falcons since my first spell here, and as they say you don't know what you've got 'til it's gone.

“That was definitely the case with Newcastle, but now I have this second chance and I'm determined to take it.”

Beattie made three appearances for the Falcons at the tail end of the current campaign, stating it was a testing period getting back to full fitness.

“After a tough year of rehab and work in the gym it was great to finally get back out on the pitch, and I am hungry for more,” he explained.

“In a sense the season has finished at the wrong time for me, just as I was getting back in to the games, but with a full summer of training under my belt I'm looking forward to hitting the ground running when the new campaign comes round.”

Meanwhile, Director of Rugby Steve Bates, who has worked with Beattie at Newcastle, Borders and Scotland A, was also pleased with the contract news.

“Ross has shown tremendous character this season, and we are delighted to have him on board for next year,” Bates said.

“In the last few games of the season we got a glimpse of the ball-carrying and physicality that he adds to this team, while his attitude behind the scenes has been absolutely outstanding.

“Ross is putting in a lot of extra work in the gym over the summer with next season in mind, and we look forward to seeing the impact he will make.”