Newcastle Falcons can confirm the capture of exciting England Under-18 lock-cum-loose forward Joe Robinson, on a full time contract.

The Kendal-born youngster will be relishing the prospect of following in the footsteps of last season's academy player of the season Mark Wilson, who also hails from the quaint South Cumbrian town.

Like Wilson, the 6foot 3inch (1,91m) 18-year-old prodigy attended Kirbie Kendal School and enhanced his rugby education under the watchful eye of PE teacher Dean Barker.

Barker was influential in developing Wilson's game, and the signing of Robinson is a strong sign of intent from the Kingston Park club to build on relationships with South Cumbria.

Robinson recently finished his A Levels at Sedbergh School and tasted senior rugby with Kendal RFC first team towards the end of last season. A product of the Cumbria School of Rugby system at U16s, Robinson underlined his growing potential while playing for the Falcons U16 and U18 sides.

Assistant academy coach Mark Laycock, who has monitored the progress of the talented youngster said: "Joe has a high work-rate and real athletic potential. He is someone who has been on our radar since he was 15 and has improved a lot over the past 12 months.

"We are confident that he will make the transition into senior rugby pretty seamlessly, given how well he has done for Kendal, Sedbergh School and England U18s."