TYNEDALE’S director of rugby Ben Woods has praised the impact of the club’s young players this season.

Winger Morgan Passman has been a revelation this season, and his hat-trick against Sedgley Park on Saturday was the latest in a string of eye-catching performances.

The free-scoring teenager is one of several Newcastle Falcons youngsters who signed for Tynedale on a dual registration basis in the summer, alongside lock Will Montgomery, flankers Tom Marshall and Rob Farrar, and scrum half Cam Kalametri.

Woods said: “The lads have come in and suited our dynamic well. They have shown great character, and to watch them play, you wouldn’t think they are playing for us on dual contracts.

“Some of the lads will go on to play at a higher level.

“Morgan has thrived, whereas Rob Farrer, for example, has missed games through injury.

“But they have all made contributions and we are delighted with their progress.”

Woods, who only joined Tynedale himself last summer, also spoke about how the club has turned around a tough start to the campaign, with his side now up to seventh in National League Division Two North.

The former Gloucestershire U20 head coach, who was named as Scott Lawson’s successor in May, said: “The first few games were always going to be difficult fixtures.

“There were a few new faces and they were getting used to new combinations, and we also had some injuries.

“But we stuck together, and I’ve seen a lot of growth in terms of the players.”

Woods, who has also coached at Durham and Loughborough universities, said he was impressed with Tynedale’s proud history of developing young players.

He added: “Tynedale is a very good club. I knew about that from the outside. There’s a solid structure, with a great junior set up.

“The Colts (U18 team) reached the national final last season, and that is an example of the potential here.

“I’ve been made to feel very welcome here. There’s a good atmosphere at Tynedale Park and we’re all striving to improve.”

Last month, the club announced that Woods would remain in his role next season, supported by assistant coaches Matt Fieldhouse and Tom Wilkinson.

He said: “We’ve all put a lot of work in, and we’ve come a long way since the summer. We want a bit of stability and are looking forward to finishing this season as positively as we can, and building for the next campaign.”