Newcastle Falcons bid a fond farewell to All Black Mark Mayerhofler this weekend, as the hard-hitting centre returns home to his native New Zealand.

Falcons fans will get the opportunity to salute the 35-year-old at Saturday's EDF Energy Cup clash with Newport Gwent Dragons, although a shoulder injury sadly denies the centre n the chance to sign off in competitive action.

"Mark is a true warrior, an extremely hard man but also a very humble man," said Falcons director of rugby, John Fletcher of the player who made 92 appearances in his five seasons with the club.

"I don't think I can remember him having a bad game for the club during his entire stay here, and what sticks out for me is his willingness to always put his body on the line for the good of the team.

"It is no coincidence that his time with us has seen the rise of some top centres through the ranks like Mathew Tait, Jamie Noon and Toby Flood to name but a few, and Mark's part in that cannot be emphasised enough."

Mayerhofler is saddened to be departing and said: "I wanted to bow out with no regrets.

"I've been fortunate enough to have a great career including five special years here at Newcastle, and when I fly home on Sunday I take with me so many fond memories of the club and the people here in the north-east."

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