Falcons swoop for rugby league prospect

Leeds Rhinos rugby league prospect Iwan Stephens has switched codes to join Newcastle Falcons’ senior academy.

The 18-year-old England Academy international joins the Falcons on a two-year deal, and has already started pre-season training with his new club.

Iwan has played both codes of rugby, and was part of Yorkshire Carnegie’s Developing Player Programme up until the age of 15 before committing to rugby league.

With @JoeBurton15302 and @LiamLiamwhitton already through, will it be @IwanStephens, Ben Markland or @MclellandCallum that gets a place in the final 3⃣ for U19s Try of the Season? pic.twitter.com/Mlb5sJZEF9

— Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) September 19, 2019

He has rugby union pedigree in his family, with dad Colin Stephens having played fly-half for Wales, Llanelli and Leeds Tykes.

Colin was capped four times by the Welsh national team in 1992, the same year he kicked two drop-goals in Llanelli’s famous victory over then world champions, Australia, and is now director of rugby union at Leeds Beckett University.

Congratulations to U16 player Iwan Stephens who picked up the Scholarship Try of the Season at last night's Academy Awards pic.twitter.com/3hNXe6NMTC

— Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) September 27, 2017

Newcastle Falcons academy manager Mark Laycock said: “Iwan has got a very professional attitude and a good head on his shoulders, which, combined with his natural ability, makes him a really exciting signing for us.

“To begin with he will play on the wing while he re-acquaints himself with rugby union, but he has all the skills and capabilities to also play full-back in the longer term.

“He kicks goals, he scores tries for fun and he’s a really evasive runner with outstanding athleticism. He’s prepared to give professional rugby union a really good crack, he fits our style of play and it’s a great project for both parties.”

Realistic about the time frame, Laycock added: “His game-understanding of rugby union is obviously a big work-on to begin with, but we know he’ll work his socks off and that he has the temperament to do it.

“As coaches it’s also interesting to tap into his knowledge and maybe pick up the odd bit from rugby league, and I’m looking forward to working with him.”