Guy Pepper to leave Newcastle Falcons to join Gallagher Premiership rivals Bath - 'Life goes on'
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Published 18/04/2024 at 13:40 GMT
Guy Pepper will join Gallagher Premiership side Bath at the end of the season on a three-year contract. The 20-year-old rose up through the academy at Newcastle Falcons, before enjoying a breakthrough 2022/23 season with the club. Newcastle Falcons chairman Matt Thompson said the club were disappointed with Pepper's decision to move, but wished him luck.
Guy Pepper of Newcastle Falcons is taking on the Quins defense during the Gallagher Premiership match between Newcastle Falcons and Harlequins at Kingston Park in Newcastle, England, on January 5, 2024.
Image credit: Getty Images
Newcastle Falcons have confirmed flanker Guy Pepper will leave the club at the end of the season to join Gallagher Premiership rivals Bath.
The 20-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough season for Newcastle after coming up through the academy.
He has since made 23 appearances for the club, establishing himself as one of the most promising talents in the Gallagher Premiership. His performances earned him a call-up into England's training squad for this year's Six Nations.
Newcastle have struggled this season, sitting bottom of the Gallagher Premiership table with no wins. In contrast, Bath are second in the table, five points off leaders Northampton.
"We share our supporters' disappointment at Guy's decision to move on, but of course we wish him the best of luck down at Bath," Newcastle Falcons chairman Matt Thompson said.
"He has done really well for us and we made him an excellent offer to commit to Newcastle Falcons, who have developed, supported him and given him a platform to make his senior breakthrough.
"Life goes on, though, and we are putting systems in place to ensure our best young talent will remain with the club for many years to come."
Pepper signed a three-year deal with Bath, who will allow him to complete his degree in sport and exercise science at the University of Durham on a part-time basis.
He joins Leicester Tigers prop Francois van Wyk and Leinster lock Ross in signing for the club for next season.
"Guy is one of the most talented and exciting back rowers in the English game," said Bath head of rugby Johann van Graan.
"His hunger to improve and develop is evident and I believe he will be a big part of our team in the years to come."
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