NEWCASTLE Falcons yesterday revealed the names of the five players from the professional era shortlisted for a place in the Newcastle Rugby Hall of Fame.

Two will be inducted at the inaugural dinner tomorrow night, along with figures from the amateur days such as Roger Uttley, captain of the Gosforth team which won the John Player Cup in 1976 and 77.

Current Director of Rugby Rob Andrew, who joined as player-coach in 1995, is among the shortlisted five, along with Richard Arnold, Doddie Weir, Gary Armstrong and Inga Tuigamala. The two who have received most votes from the fans will be inducted at the dinner, which is to be an annual event.

After grooming Jonny Wilkinson to succeed him as an England fly half, Andrew yesterday sang the praises of another he feels could fulfil the role, 20-year-old Toby Flood.

After Flood, from Morpeth, signed a new two-year contract, Andrew said: "Toby is a very talented player and has shown a huge amount of maturity since coming into the side.

"He is competing for a place in the team with full internationals week in and week out and is another example of the fantastic work going on in our academy. He has also shown he can play at inside centre and we look forward to taking him to the next level."

Flood, who is also doing a business management course at Northumbria University, said: "Newcastle is the natural place for me to develop as a player and I am really enjoying my rugby here. It's great to be coming through at the same time as a lot of other young players who have really stepped up this year."

After being released from the England Under-21 side which won in Scotland last Friday so he could play a full game for the Falcons against Leicester, Flood is back in the squad to play France in Perigeux on March 11, while Newcastle prop Dave Wilson retains his place.

Six members of the Newcastle Academy were yesterday named in a 55-man England Under-18 squad to play two games against Wales at Ebbw Vale on Sunday.

Among those hoping to stake a claim for a place at the European Championships in Treviso, Italy, next month is Barnard Castle School's Alex Tait, brother of the Falcons' Mathew Tait.

Flanker Aaron Myers, of Hartlepool Sixth Form College and the West Hartlepool club, is also included, and the rest of the Newcastle contingent is: Newcastle RGS full back Michael Johnson, Durham School scrum half Michael Young, and two Cumbrians in fly half Robert Miller and flanker Grant Beasley. Also included is Richmond School prop Callum Clark, who is attached to Leeds Tykes.