Young Gun: Brett Connon – Newcastle and Tynedale fly-half

The step up from schools rugby to the professional game is never an easy one to make but, after a full season in National League One, Brett Connon is ready to give it a go.
A member of the Newcastle academy for the past four years, the 18-year-old was dual-registered with Tynedale this season and, although they were relegated, he was a stand-out performer from fly-half.
Two weeks ago, Connon waved goodbye to Austin Friars, the only school he's ever known, and he is now looking to push on with the Falcons where he signed a full-time senior academy contract.
“Playing for Tynedale was very tough but it helped my game massively. It gave me a taste of what's to come and it prepared me better than anything could have,” he told The Rugby Paper.
“I learned a lot about the physicality of men's rugby. Tactically you have to be on the ball all the time. Everything counts and every little mistakes can be costly.
“We start pre-season on June 22 with Newcastle and I'm really looking forward to get stuck in. I've trained quite a lot with them this season and even got involved in the A-league with the first team which was great.
“They've included me really well. All the senior guys helped me out and it has made a better player already.
“I'm probably going to start the season as a full-back before moving up to fly-half once I get up the standards required.
“Hopefully, I can hit the ground running, show myself at training and get some game time in the Kings of the North tournament during the World Cup. After that, getting some game time in the A-league again and maybe LV=Cup would be great.”
Connon kicked his first rugby ball at Carlisle RFC where he played through to colts level before Newcastle came knocking.
With two older brothers, Grant and Max, playing at fly-half, Brett was always going to be attracted by the No.10 jersey.
Last year, he was involved with Ireland U18s clubs and he has now set his sights on the U20s and the 2016 Junior World Championship.
He said: “My brothers have has a big influence on me growing up. They both play fly-half and have a few years on me so they've passed down their experience.
“They both play for Darlington MP and it was good to take on Grant when we played them even though he scored a try and I didn't.
“I qualify for Ireland through my grand-parents and Grant also played for them so it was nice to follow in his footsteps last season. Getting the man-of-the-match against Italy made it even better. We beat England Counties, too, but lost by a point in France.
“I'll be looking to break into the U20s set up next season and, hopefully, get involved in the Six Nations as well as the next Junior World Cup.”