Opposition three-quarters will only have one more season to throw themselves in front of the runaway train that goes by the name of Va'aiga Tuigamala.

The steamroller with legs will provide respite for battered and bruised centres across the world when he hangs up his boots next June.

The 16st 5lb former All Black powerhouse, starting out on his fifth season with Rob Andrew's Newcastle, is the elder statesman and father figure of a Falcons back line bristling with youthful talent.

Even with the presence of Tuigamala, who celebrates his 32nd birthday next week, and 34-year-old Scotland scrum-half Gary Armstrong, the average age of the Newcastle back division is no more than 24.

The future for Newcastle and England looks bright and Tuigamala is aiming to do his bit for club and adopted country by ensuring the continual development of the Kingston Park whizz kids.

``The average age is quite frightening,'' says the affable Samoan who plays the game with a smile on his face. ``All the boys tease me over my age.

``But, as the saying goes, if you're good enough, you're old enough and these youngsters are good enough.

``It's up to the old heads like Pat Lam, Doddie Weir, Gary Armstrong, George Graham and myself to give them support to allow the team to grow.

``You feel obliged to support the youngsters coming through but they're not just young, they are responsible and they help me.

``It's a two-way relationship. They keep me honest, they keep me on my toes.

``They're very competitive, which is a very useful thing within a club, to have the youngsters pushing you for your position. I'm not going to make it easy for them. It's a healthy situation.

``The challenge for me is to make sure that these youngsters step up. The attitude is fantastic and that's what it's going to take to win championships.''

Newcastle face a testing start to their Zurich Premiership campaign with a home game against domestic and European champions Leicester but Tuigamala says there is a buzz around Kingston Park and a determination to build on last season's Tetley's Cup triumph.

``We're confident in our own ability as a team but there are a lot of good teams out there,'' he says.

``Leicester set high standards last year and they haven't become champions just by sitting around. They plan well and make sure the set-up is right for their players.

``With the likes of Leicester, Bath, Saracens, it's going to be hard to win a championship but there's a real sense of anticipation here.

``We had a fantastic season last year, qualifying for the European Cup, and there are a lot of things to play for.

``The key for growth at any club it to make sure you don't jump too far ahead of yourselves but here there are really professional people behind the club.

``In the last five years we've won a championship and a cup so it's a gradual process. We've now got to use that as a platform to build for major honours such as the Premiership and certainly the European Cup.''

Tuigamala believes the club's prospects of success in Europe have been boosted by the return of fellow countryman Pat Lam, who played a key role in the Falcons' championship success four years ago and was an integral part of
Northampton's 2000 Heineken Cup triumph.

Lam will skipper the side in what will also be his retirement season and the two old lags are looking forward to a final fling together.

``It's definitely my last season,'' adds Tuigamala. ``I've had a fantastic time since I've been here and being in Britain.

``I'm forever grateful to people like Rob (Andrew) and Dave Thompson and even John Hall when I first came, for giving me the opportunity to come back to rugby union.

``I'm going to enjoy my last year and having Pat back is such a big buzz for me. We're just going to go out there and help out as much as we can amongst our young players and enjoy the game.

``We've been very close friends over the years. It's a tremendous boost to have him back because Pat does typify the modern-day professional and what it takes to be successful.

Tuigamala rolled back the years with a vintage show in the Middlesex Sevens, helping the Falcons reach the final against the British Army, and is currently feeling the benefit of a first summer off for eight years.

``What's been really good for me is that I've had a season out of international rugby, which has really helped,'' he explains. ``For the last seven-and-a-half years I've been playing back-to-back rugby all year round and haven't had any rest.

``I decided this year not to play internationals, although I've not quit. I feel a lot better for it, I feel mentally fit.''

Tuigamala has not ruled out an international comeback for Samoa in the Autumn and, like the old pro, will be simply taking one game at a time.

``We play Ireland and Italy in November but I'm not under any obligation, I'll just see how it goes,'' he says.

``I'm not looking too far ahead. I'm happy to take each game and each week as it comes and just enjoy it.

``I'll work hard with the youngsters and show them the way. I'll be looking forward, if I get selected, to lead by example.

``Whether I'm on the bench or in the starting line-up it doesn't really matter, it's all about going out and enjoying myself.''