Captain Callum Chick poised to quit Falcons for rivals

Northampton Saints have emerged as the favourites to sign Newcastle Falcons No.8 Callum Chick when his two-year contract at Kingston Park runs out at the end of the season.

Chick, 27, has played over 130 times for the Falcons since joining their academy when he was 12 and was a member of the England side that won the 2016 World Rugby Under-20 Championship.

He won two England caps against the USA and Canada three years ago and played against the Barbarians in 2022, and RugbyPass exclusively revealed last September that Gloucester wanted him to replace Toulon-bound Zach Mercer.

Chick made the long trip to the West Country for a guided tour and talks, but George Skivington has since signed James Venter from the Sharks, which is the clearest hint yet that they were not successful in their quest.

Last season’s Premiership champions are in the market to replace South African star Juarno Augustus, who is moving to Ulster in the United Rugby Championship next season.

Losing another homegrown talent would be a massive blow to the cash-strapped Falcons, who have lost 13 of their 15 Premiership games this season, but Chick’s desire to add to his England caps may mean having to leave.

He told RugbyPass earlier in the season: “I have bigger aspirations and have had England caps and been in training camps which gave me a taste, and I want more.

I am not happy with what I have had so far and I want to get the most out of this career and represent my country as many times as possible.

“I signed a two-year deal in 2023, and my future is important. If you play well, then everything falls into place, and there is no need to worry about it.

“Last time I signed a contract, I didn’t have anything until April, and the contract was up in June, so that is the nature of the beast. Whatever happens, happens. I would like to think I would get some offers,” he said.