As quick mentally as he is physically, Newcastle Falcons’ teenage wing Zach Kibirige is on a fast-track to success both on and off the field.

Averaging more than a try a game in his fledgling career, the 18-year-old is now tackling the rigours of full-time training after flying through his A-Levels.

Top marks in psychology, biology and PE have put the Yarm School graduate on the path to a psychology degree, one which will be put on ice for a season while he attacks the Aviva Premiership.

“I am training full-time at the moment, and having a gap-year before I start my degree,” said the England Under-18s cap, who scored the winner for his school in last season’s Daily Mail Vase final at Twickenham.

“Juggling the rugby and my studies last year was fine, and balancing the two didn’t seem to be a problem. I got three As, in the end. It was tough going, but I am glad I put the work in and that it paid off.

“I wasn’t really sure which degree to do, in terms of a vocational one with a job at the end of it, so I just went for a subject that I am interested in and have a real passion for. Psychology is definitely the one for me, and we will see where it takes me.”

Cleverly dipped in for the occasional outing by the Falcons last season but being spared the rigour of week-to-week action, Kibirige said: “I got quite a lot of exposure, which will hopefully make things a little easier for me now as a full-time pro.

“I am working hard now, and really enjoying it. A couple of times last year I came in and trained full-time for the odd spell, but I’m not sure my body was ready for it.

“I broke down on one or two occasions, but the club were brilliant in terms of how they managed my work-load and were always mindful of gradually putting me in when the time was right.

“I now feel much more comfortable with that experience under my belt.”

Looking to shake off a hamstring injury in time for the new season following his side’s promotion back to the top flight, the Middlesbrough-born speedster said: “I should be back soon and, although it is not easy to put a date on these things, I am not feeling like I will be too far away.

“I am confident and excited, though, expecting big things for the team. We will go into every game looking to give it our all, and we can definitely turn some heads.”