DANNY WILLIAMS

The England rugby league international has taken to union like a duck to water in only his first season in the 15-man code. A former Leeds Rhinos player, Williams grabbed his first try for the club away at Worcester, going on to record a total of nine tries in just 16 starts, as his power and raw finishing ability came to the fore. Having signed a new two-year deal Williams has committed himself to the future at Kingston Park, with cross-code Lion Alan Tait proving an able mentor for the young Yorkshire-man.

MICKY YOUNG

The Hartlepool-born scrum half has been one of the main driving forces behind the Falcons' resurgence since Christmas, with his pace and sniping around the base outfoxing defences right across the league. The 20-year-old starred last weekend against Bath, making a try and scoring one himself, and is among the many young stars to have committed by signing a new two-year deal to remain a Falcon.

TANE TU'IPULOTU

The Tongan-born centre spent his rugby apprenticeship in New Zealand, where he came through the ranks as an Auckland Academy player before going on to help them to Ranfurly Shield glory. Moving to the capital, Wellington, Tu'ipulotu formed part of a formidable centres stable alongside All Blacks Tana Umaga, Ma'a Nonu and Conrad Smith, last season starring for the Lions as they reached the Air New Zealand Cup final and claimed Wellington's first Ranfurly Shield for 26 years.