The impressive youngster is eager to try his luck at North Division One club Westoe – who are two divisions above Durham and Northumberland Division One side Sunderland.

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The move will disappoint the Ashbrooke club, who have seen him progress through the Wearsiders' youth programme.

Sunderland have also seen centre Paul King depart to become player-coach at Division Three outfit Seaham.

And the club are bracing themselves for other departures.

Flying winger Matt Goforth is on trial at Darlington Mowden Park and reportedly impressing officials, while young Sunderland prop Dave Williams is trying out at National League Two club Blaydon.

Sunderland have also seen the two Hunter brothers – Mark and Peter – returning to Houghton.

With stalwart captain Rob Stormont retiring, Ed Britton now working in Manchester as a doctor and Nick Hooper – fully recovered from his leg operation – accepted into Leeds Metropolitan University to read medicine, testing times lie ahead for Sunderland.

The Ashbrooke club have yet to make any new signings, but are attempting to bolster the squad in time for the big kick-off against Hartlepool Rovers on September 13.

Chairman Andy Kyle said: "Being honest, the coming season will be a tough one and we have to be realistic and look to consolidate.

"We are a couple of years away from the influx of juniors. At under-16s and below, we have now over 250 players and even accepting the natural wastage we will soon have a steady flow of players into the senior ranks that will be the long-term basis of the club's future.

"We have to hold our nerve for a bit!

"I am sure, though, that under the inspired leadership of Tony Irwin, we will maintain our position in Division One, giving the youngsters a decent start to senior rugby when they come through."

* Sunderland have been drawn away to Stockton in the first round of the Intermediate Cup. Houghton have received a bye in the Junior Cup.

Intermediate Cup first round draw: Hartlepool Rovers v Gateshead, Durham City v West Hartlepool, Billingham v Horden, Stockton v Sunderland.

Junior Cup First round draw: South Tyneside College v West Hartlepool TDSOB; Consett & District v Ryton; Hartlepool Athletic v Winlaton Vulcans; Seaton Carew v Bishop Auckland. Byes to Round 2 – Yarm, Houghton, Hartlepool and Barnard Castle.

Plate Competition first round draw: Seaham v Hartlepool BBOB; Newton Aycliffe v Jarrovians; Washington v Sedgefield & District; Chester-le-Street v West Hartlepool Amateurs.