Newcastle Falcons captain Will Welch has signed a two-year contract extension with the Aviva Premiership club.
The 24-year-old's previous deal was due to expire in the summer.
Welch, who is a product of the Falcons' academy, has made over 130 appearances for the team since his debut in 2008.
"As a local lad, he is very much part of what we are trying to build here at the club," director of rugby Dean Richards told Newcastle's official website.
"He has a lot of support from the senior players within the group, and has developed well over the past five years at the same time managing the captain's responsibilities."
Newcastle are currently in 10th place in the Aviva Premiership table with four wins and nine defeats from 13 games.
