Falcons' Pilgrim staying put
Scrumhalf Chris Pilgrim has become the latest player to pledge his future to relegation-threatened Newcastle Falcons after signing an extension to his contract.
The 26-year-old, who joins Jimmy Gopperth, Ally Hogg and Rob Vickers on the committed list, revealed that he is excited at the prospect of developing his game under the stewardship of incoming director of rugby Dean Richards.
He said: "I am delighted to have signed a new contract and I am really looking forward to working under Dean Richards. The fact that Dean Richards is coming in has had a massive bearing on my decision to stay in the North East and there is certainly a very bright future for the club.
"I want to be a part of something special here – now my aim is to get my head down and keep working hard in training," he said.
The Birkenhead-born No.9 has competed with Will Chudley and latterly Peter Stringer for a starting berth this campaign and admitted that Ireland international Stringer has had a significant impact on his game since joining the Falcons on loan from Munster.
"Peter [Stringer] has really helped my game both on and off the field. The way he goes about his business from a game management point of view and how he interacts with the forwards is world class.
"I have learnt a lot from him in recent weeks and I cannot wait to develop my skills in pre-season. Since Gary [Gold] came in things have also improved for me," he added.
Joining the Falcons in the summer of 2009 from Championship outfit Nottingham, Pilgrim played a key role in helping his side lift the J.P Morgan Premiership Rugby 7’s trophy last year.
The former Loughborough student believes the Falcons can go all the way to the top with the backing of owner Semore Kurdi.
He said: "Semore is very passionate about rugby in the North East and he wants the Falcons to go all the way to the top. He has signalled his intent with a number of changes such as the restructuring of the academy, the new medical suite and of course the appointment of Dean."