Rob Vickers reveals reasons for signing new Falcons deal

Mar 26 2009 by Nick Purewal, The Journal

ROB Vickers revealed that Carl Hayman and Ian Peel were both big factors in his decision to sign a new one-year deal with Newcastle Falcons today.

The 27-year-old hooker has broken into the Falcons side as a first-team regular this season after making his debut at Montauban in 2006.

Vickers told The Journal All Black prop Hayman’s decision to see out his Kingston Park contract tipped the balance on a new deal to keep him in the North East, and that it was forwards coach Ian Peel that levelled those scales in the first place.

Vickers said Peel has been working closely with him to help him realise his potential at Premiership level, and now he is keen to continue progressing his burgeoning career.

The former England Students and Durham University front-rower made his Premiership debut at Leeds last term, but has made the crucial breakthrough this year.

Preparing for tomorrow’s Kingston Park clash with Leicester Tigers (kick-off 8pm), Vickers explained the motivation behind his new contract.

“It’s a big sign of the improvements that Carl has chosen to see out his contract and stay on at the Falcons,” Vickers said.

“But not only that, Peely has been working closely with me, as an unofficial mentor almost, and that’s a big factor too. He’s been great with me, he goes through the videos with me one-on-one and we look at where I can improve every week, and that’s been an enormous help.

“And as the pack goes he has helped us improve massively there too, especially in the scrummage.”