Newcastle Falcons VS Northampton - Programme

CLUB NEWS
The former RGS Newcastle pupil made his first-team debut as an 18-yearold
in October 2008 and became the Falcons’ youngest ever captain
when he took over the reins at the age of just 22.
Leading the club to promotion and forming the cornerstone of the
Falcons’ pack for well over a decade, Welch explained his decision,
saying: “I’ve had an ankle issue for the past couple of seasons which has
been niggling me every week, and I just needed to get it sorted.
“I’ve been thinking about retirement for a little while now, and it was
probably going to come at some point in the near future anyway with
the way my ankle was. Coupled with the fact I have a career opportunity
outside of rugby, it just feels like the right time.
Newcastle Falcons chairman Semore Kurdi said: “Will retires as a true
Newcastle Falcons great, and it has been an absolute privilege to have
him with us for well over a decade.
“He is somebody who always put the team before individual gain, he gave
absolutely everything on the field and the work he did behind the scenes
as club captain was outstanding.
“He epitomises everything we are about as a club, and I wish him every
success once his time with us comes to an end. Hopefully we’ll still have
the pleasure of having him on site for game days with his family, and he’ll
continue to be part of the club in a different way.”
Welch is tied in second with Tom May on 275 appearances for the
Falcons, with the pair both 12 behind former prop and current forwards
coach Micky Ward.
WILL WELCH TO RETIRE
Newcastle Falcons great Will Welch, a one-club man who has spent 15
years playing for his home town team, will retire from rugby at the end
of the current season.
The 33-year-old sits joint-second on the Falcons’ all-time appearance list,
having done battle on 275 occasions.
Speaking on the announcement he said: “It’s meant the world to me for
me to play for the team I used to come and watch when I was a kid. From
being in the Falcons academy, signing professionally as a teenager and
going on to spend my whole career here – the whole thing has just been
a dream.”
“It’s not something that has been on my radar, to be honest,” said Welch.
“Yeah, it would have been nice to have that record but I didn’t want to
hang around just because of it, and you can’t argue with Wardy holding
on to the top spot. He’s a club icon, and I’m more than happy to be second
to him on that list.”
The flanker hopes to remain in Newcastle where he and his wife Laura
have two sons, Rex and Max, with Welch explaining: “I won’t miss battering
my body on a weekend but I’ll miss the rest of it, and I’m thankful for the
opportunities I’ve had throughout my time with the Falcons.
“It’s meant a massive amount to me. I’ve loved playing for the club, and I’ve
had loads of great experiences along the way. Our supporters have always
been brilliant in getting behind me and the team, and I’d like to say a massive
thank you for all the love they’ve shown.”
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