Max Pepper signed full-time terms with the Falcons in the summer of 2024, having graduated from his sports science degree at Durham University.

A former member of the Falcons’ junior academy whose younger brother Guy is an ex-Newcastle flanker, Max thrived in the student game and was named in the BUCS Super Rugby Team of the Season two years in a row in 2023 and 2024.

Also named BUCS Super Rugby Player of the Season for 2023-24, he is equally at home at scrum-half or on the wing, and had already represented the Falcons’ first team prior to signing his full-time deal.

Pepper scored in the club’s True North Origin game in August 2023, and again on his competitive senior bow in October 2023 during the Premiership Rugby Cup win over Caldy.

He made his Gallagher Premiership debut at Bristol in April 2024, and was also called up to the Great Britain 7s squad for their Rugby Europe tournament in Croatia in June of 2024, having played for England Students the previous month against French Universities.