The 30-year-old has been out injured for much of the season with a shoulder problem following his move from the now-defunct Border Reivers.

However, he is thrilled to be staying at Kingston Park and is determined to make the most of his second spell with the Falcons.

Beattie was so highly thought of in his early career – when he won nine caps for Scotland - that he kept current captain Jason White out of the side during the 2003 World Cup.

"I'm delighted to be staying at Newcastle," the giant No 8 said.

"After a tough year of rehab and work in the gym it was great to finally get back out on the pitch. I am hungry for more.

"I have had a time away from the Falcons since my first spell here, and as they say you don't know what you've got until it's gone.

"That was definitely the case with Newcastle, but now I have this second chance and I'm determined to take it.

"In a sense the season has finished at the wrong time for me, just as I was getting back in to the games, but with a full summer of training under my belt I'm looking forward to hitting the ground running when the new campaign comes round."