NEWCASTLE FALCONS’ ongoing recruitment drive has continued with confirmation that influential back rower Ally Hogg has signed a new two-year deal with the club.

Hogg, who won 48 caps for Scotland during an international career that spanned five years, has become the fifth member of the current squad to commit their future to Falcons this month.

The 32-year-old joined Newcastle from Edinburgh Rugby in the summer of 2010 and has gone on to make 117 senior appearances.

On the pitch, he has evolved into a key member of a pack that has proved its ability to hold its own against anyone in the Aviva Premiership, and off it he has completed a degree in business management at Northumbria University.

With half an eye on a future coaching career, he has also become involved in grassroots rugby this season, teaming up with fellow Scotsman Mike Blair as a coach at Ponteland RFC.

 “Having Ally commit to the club for another two-year deal is great news and will see him continue to play an integral part of its future,” said Falcons director of rugby Dean Richards. “We have said that our aim is to create a team based around top young, local talent, supplemented by quality additions and Ally certainly falls into that category.

“He showed there is life in the old dog yet against London Welsh, scampering down the touchline for a try and we’ll look forward to seeing more of that over these next two seasons.”

While Hogg has called time on his international career, he remains ambitious for domestic success and feels confident Falcons are heading in the right direction.

“Obviously I’m delighted to have signed a new contract with the club,” said the number eight. “It is in a really positive place right now, is moving in the right direction and I am keen to keep on playing a part.

“I’ve been here five years now and have really enjoyed my time so far and making a contribution towards where we are today.

“It is a really competitive environment at the moment, particularly in the back row with some really talented players pushing each other to be at their best at all times and that is an environment I really want to keep being a part of.”