'Any player would want to be part of it': Two new deals in Newcastle

Newcastle Red Bulls have activated the option to extend loosehead Adam Brocklebank’s contract by another year, a day after back-row Ollie Leatherbarrow extended his contract by another year.

Brocklebank, 30, has spent over a decade at Kingston Park, registering 157 appearances to date, having come through Durham University.

Leatherbarrow, meanwhile, is in just his third season at the club having signed from Exeter Chiefs in 2023.

The Scotland U20 international has played 28 games for the club to date, starting at No.8 in the recent Gallagher PREM victory over Gloucester.

“Newcastle is the place I call home now, and I’m delighted to be extending my stay,” said Brocklebank after signing.

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“My family and I are settled, Newcastle Red Bulls are making real progress and I’m chasing 200 appearances for the club, so it was never a case of wanting to move.

“Everything around the club is exciting at the moment and I’m sure any player would want to be part of it, so I’m just looking forward continuing that progress.”

Leatherbarrow added: “I really enjoy it here and I’m delighted to have another two years with the club.

“There are a lot of new faces but it’s a great set of lads, and I’m looking forward to being part of what will be a really exciting future here under Red Bull.”

“The last few years have been tough at times, but I’ve learned a lot and improved as a player.

“I’ve had to be patient and I’ve not played as much as I would have liked over the last couple of seasons, but I’ve let that go and stayed positive. I’ve used it as fuel for when I have been selected, looking to channel it into hard work during the training week and supporting my team-mates.

“I know I need to make the most of my opportunities when they come around because it’s a hugely competitive back-row group here. I’m just buzzing to be part of it during this exciting period for the club, and am really happy to have the contract sorted.”