TOM CATTERICK has become the latest player to commit his long-term future to Newcastle Falcons by signing a new contract.

Darlington-born Catterick has signed a new deal that commits him to Kingston Park until at least 2017, having enjoyed a stellar few months that have seen him excel in a new role.

Formerly best known as a full-back, Catterick, who made his senior debut for Falcons at the age of 19, has been a revelation since switching to fly-half earlier this season.

The 24-year-old, who started his career with Darlington Mowden Park, was moved to fly-half during the early stages of Falcons’ European campaign and has remained there following a series of eye-catching displays.

Whether director of rugby Dean Richards continues to field him in that position remains to be seen, but having previously been regarded as something of a sevens specialist, Catterick has successfully established himself as a key component of Newcastle’s squad in all codes.

“We’re very pleased that Tom has chosen to extend his contract with Newcastle Falcons,” said Richards. “He is a dynamic and versatile player who has turned a lot of heads since taking on the fly-half role during the last European window.

“As a product of the Falcons’ academy, it’s great news that Tom has pledged the next two years to the club. He is a dedicated member of the team and retaining home-grown players of his calibre is very much a part of our forward planning.

“Tom has found fantastic form this season but he is still a young man, and we look forward to continuing to work with him and watch him develop over the coming seasons.”

Catterick will hope to be involved in Newcastle Falcons’ crucial European Challenge Cup game with Bucharest Wolves this weekend, with his side needing to win their final pool game to have any chance of progressing to the quarter-finals.

Making the last eight of a European competition would be a notable achievement, but Catterick has much loftier long-term ambitions, citing a top-four position in the Aviva Premiership as a realistic aim.

“I’m really happy to extend my contract,” he said. “It was a fairly short and sharp process. I really wanted to stay and fortunately Dean wanted me to stay as well so it’s nice to get it done and dusted and be able to concentrate on the rest of the season.

“We are slowly building and I think it is a good place to be and somewhere where I can develop as a person and a player particularly after all the help that the coaches, in particularly Dave (Walder), who has been a massive help to me this year, have given me.

“I want to be part of the Falcons squad that makes the Premiership top four and wins things and I am really looking forward to the future.”