Cleadon starlet Adam Redman enjoyed taste of big time with Newcastle Falcons

Redman enjoyed his first appearance as a professional rugby player when he took to the field for Falcons in their European Rugby Challenge Cup fixture against Russian side Enisei STM last month.

Having battled back from a serious knee injury in November 2014, which sidelined him for almost a year; the 19-year-old centre came off the bench in the 24-7 loss in Sochi earlier, and showed plenty of promise against an experienced and physical side.

The Cleadon teenager’s performance backed up those he had delivered for the club’s A Team in the Aviva A League and he hopes, will be just the first of many involvements with the Aviva Premiership club.

Redman, who played for Sunderland RFC as a youngster, said: “The whole trip to Sochi was a massive experience for me, from being surrounded by people who play for the first team week in week out and the first team coaches, to being part of a fully professional environment.

“One of the best things was walking off the bus and walking onto the pitch and have a walk round at the stadium. I just tried to soak as much of that in as possible and to enjoy it as much as possible.”

Redman’s debut came 34 minutes into the match following an injury to starting full-back Tom Penny and he said the moment coach Dean Richards told him he was going on for his debut is one he will never forget - despite some mixed emotions.

“When Dean told me I was going to be coming on, that is something I won’t forget,” said Redman, who attended Durham School.

“I was excited and I remember thinking this is my chance to come on and make and impact and hopefully change the game.

“Walking onto the pitch, I just thought of all the work I’d put in to get me to that moment after my injury. I was a little bit nervous, but I was very focused on trying to make the impact that the team needed.”

“I came on at full-back which I played at school but which I hadn’t played much for the Falcons, but I felt fairly comfortable doing that, you get a lot of space in that position.”

With a senior bow successfully made, Malaysian-born Redman’s attentions now turn to continuing to improve and impress the coaching team at Kingston Park and stake a claim for further involvements.

“I’m hoping now I’ve made my first senior appearance to push on,” he said.

“There are A League games coming up where I’d like to be involved and then hopefully be in contention for more game form there and develop step by step.”