Oscar Usher

At just 21 years old, English flanker Oscar Usher is one of the more promising young forwards in the Newcastle Red Bulls back row. Born on 12 June 2004, he has progressed through the academy ranks at the rebranded North East franchise and offers Newcastle a longer-term option at openside. Usher's game is defined by tireless work-rate, a willingness to involve himself in every breakdown and the kind of defensive appetite that has made him a coach's selection in a developing squad. He profiles as a classic number 7, with quick body height into contact and a focus on slowing down opposition possession at the ruck. The Red Bulls' rebuild offers a meaningful pathway for academy-grown talent, and Usher is one of the players expected to benefit from sustained first-team exposure in the coming seasons. As he adds physical strength and Premiership experience, his ceiling extends toward higher honours given English rugby's traditional appetite for openside flankers in the breakdown-specialist mould. He represents one of the brighter prospects in a Newcastle pack that is rebuilding itself around younger forwards.