Newcastle Falcons sign London Irish scrum-half Hugh O'Sullivan

Newcastle Falcons have announced the signing of scrum-half Hugh O’Sullivan from Gallagher Premiership rivals London Irish ahead of the 2023/24 season.

O'Sullivan made his senior debut with Leinster in 2018 and after making 34 appearances for the Irish province, he moved to London Irish in 2021. He has played 20 times for the Exiles since joining them and also had represented Ireland Under 20 in the past.

“We are excited to welcome Hugh into our squad," said interim head coach Mark Laycock.

“He has a really strong pass, a good rugby brain and is used to playing high-tempo rugby from his time with Leinster and London Irish, so will be a welcome addition for how we want to play next season.”

His becomes the 10th signing for the Falcons following the announcement of Josh Bainbridge (Coventry), Louis Brown (Coventry), Bryan Byrne (Bristol Bears), Tim Cardall (Melbourne Rebels), Cameron Hutchison (Edinburgh), John Kelly (Doncaster Knights), Ollie Leatherbarrow (Exeter Chiefs), Murray McCallum (Edinburgh) and Kiran McDonald (ex-Munster).

The 25-year-old is excited about the prospect of featuring for Newcastle after signing a contract for the next two seasons.

“Having come through the Leinster academy and been coached by Stuart Lancaster there’s been a huge emphasis on playing a quick style of rugby, and London Irish have been very much in the same mould.

“I’d be looking to try and bring that kind of tempo to the game, playing at pace, and having had some more regular Premiership game time with London Irish towards the end of the season I believe my control of the game has also been developed quite a bit.”