Sacrifice, scrums and super rugby: DURFC prop Oscar Stott signs for Newcastle Falcons

Durham’s starting loosehead prop tells all about his journey from university to professional rugby

2 months ago | UPDATED 4 weeks ago

Ben Calow | News

Newcastle Falcons has bolstered its squad with the signing of Oscar Stott, the talented loose-head prop from Durham University. The big 6-foot-1 scrummager, who earned his first cap for England Students in 2023 after an impressive performance against France, joins the Falcons after spending a large portion of pre-season training with the team.

Oscar hails from York and has been a standout player for Durham University in BUCS Super Rugby for the last three years. Having graduated with a degree in sports and exercise science in the summer just gone, Oscar is taking a sabbatical year at Team Durham as college rugby coordinator, meaning that he is still a member of the university.

Falcons’ director of rugby, Steve Diamond, expressed his excitement about Oscar’s potential: “Oscar has worked really hard and deserves his shot.

“We’ll always keep an open mind on recruitment and cast the net far and wide, but we’ll also reward lads who show us they’ve got something special.

“There’s a lot of hard work ahead for Oscar, but he’s got a great opportunity to take the next steps, and I’m looking forward to seeing how he progresses.”

Continuing Durham’s connection to Newcastle Falcons

Oscar’s signing represents more than just individual achievement; it also continues a growing tradition of Durham University rugby players stepping up to join Newcastle Falcons. Following in the footsteps of standout Durham alumni like brothers Guy and Max Pepper, Oscar becomes the latest in a select group to make the leap from BUCS Super Rugby to professional rugby with the Falcons.

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This connection between DURFC and the Falcons has strengthened in recent years, with both clubs sharing a commitment to nurturing young talent and providing a pathway for university players to advance into professional rugby. Oscar’s progression is a testament to the quality of rugby development at Durham, which has consistently produced players ready to compete at the next level.

From DURFC to England students and beyond

Reflecting on his time with Durham University Rugby Football Club (DURFC), Oscar highlighted his second year season as one of his proudest moments: “It was a huge personal achievement for me, and it ultimately led to being selected for England Students in April 2023.

“As for the club, there are so many great memories to pick from, but our home win against Exeter last year really stands out.”

Despite his rise through the ranks, Oscar remains grounded and focused. When asked about his toughest opponent in BUCS Super Rugby, he mentioned Hartpury, noting the sheer physicality of their squad from a few seasons ago: “They had some sizeable lads, and that was definitely a tough game,” he added.

The journey to the Falcons

Oscar’s journey to securing a contract with Newcastle Falcons began when he reached out to the club himself, requesting a trial: “I contacted the Falcons before pre-season to see if I could get a trial, free of charge. That gave me the foot in the door to kick on in the environment, and after putting in the work, I stuck around and received praise from the coaches.”

In an early display of his commitment, Oscar even sacrificed his university graduation night out to attend a training session the next morning.

“It was definitely worth it” he laughed, reflecting on the pivotal decision that helped solidify his place with the team.

Aims for the future

Looking ahead to the upcoming season with the Falcons, Oscar is eager to continue his development: “My aim is to keep progressing, whether that’s in training, post-training skills, or gym work. I’m also focusing on my pre-game mindset and nutrition this season, really fine-tuning everything to be the best I can be.”

While the journey to the Falcons has been a whirlwind, Oscar celebrated in true fashion with his teammates in Newcastle. He said: “When I found out about the contract, I called both my mum and dad straight away.

“After that, it was a night out in Newcastle with a few of the Falcons lads since we had just finished a training block.”

Off the pitch

When he’s not in training or on the field, Oscar is enjoying his time with the club off the pitch.

His favourite night out? “Babylon on a Wednesday night with the whole DURFC club in full force” he says with a cheeky grin.

As for a weird fact about himself, Oscar revealed something surprising: “I didn’t score a try for Durham first team until… well, it took me a while!”

With a bright future ahead, Oscar Stott is a player to watch as he begins his professional rugby journey with Newcastle Falcons. The hard work and sacrifices he has made have brought him to this point, and both he and the Falcons are eager to see what the next chapter holds.

Images via DURFC