Newcastle Falcons have added lock-forward Oscar Usher to their senior academy squad.

The 20-year-old is studying at Northumbria University and has agreed a deal until the end of the 2026-27 season.

Born in Darlington, the 6 foot 5 forward was a pupil at Barnard Castle School who attended Leeds Beckett University before switching to Northumbria, where he has one year remaining on his business management degree.

Impressing for Darlington Mowden Park in National One, Usher was invited to train with Newcastle Falcons earlier this season, and will now do so on a full-time basis.

Head of academy, James Ponton, said: “Oscar is a big, physical forward with a lot of potential, and it will be great to get him involved with our senior academy programme.

“He has a relatively low training age because he has not been in a full-time environment, but we believe he has a very high ceiling and can add a lot to the squad.”

Relishing his opportunity, Usher said: “It’s exciting. It has all happened very quickly but I’m really enjoying it, and I’m determined to make the most of this opportunity.

“To begin with it will just be a case of getting up to speed being in a full-time professional rugby environment, and then cracking on with a full summer behind me for next season.”

OSCAR USHER BIOG

Position: Lock / back row

Born: 12/6/2004

Height: 1.97m (6 foot 5)

Weight: 118kg (18 stone 8)