Toby Flood rejoins Newcastle Falcons

Newcastle Falcons have confirmed the rejoining of England international Toby Flood ahead of the 2017/18 season.

Flood, who was a product of Falcons Academy will make a switch from Toulouse after spending over three years with the French club in which he amassed over 300 points.

The 31-year-old's professional rugby debut came with Newcastle Falcons in 2004 during which he scored 263 points from 76 appearances and he later moved to Leicester Tigers in 2008 before beginning his stint with Toulouse in 2014.

Flood was also capped 60 times for England after making his debut in November 2006 but his last appearance for the red rose team came way back in in 2013.

" When the opportunity came onto the table it didn't take long for me to make the decision," said Flood who will be the Aviva Premiership club's 10th new signing ahead of next season.

"It really feels like I'm coming home, and I've watched a fair amount of Newcastle's games in recent months.

"The reality is that they didn't have to do much of a sales pitch because the improvements at the club are obvious to see, and with the recruitment they have put in place it was too exciting a proposition to turn down."

Newcastle Falcons rugby director Dean Richards is delighted with Flood rejoining the club.

"Toby is a proven performer at the very top level, he is a local lad and it is a huge boost for us to be able to add a player of his quality to our squad.

"He has vast leadership experience, he will bring an extra dimension to our game and this really is a signing which outlines the ambition we have to rise even further up the Premiership table.

"We have quality players coming through our academy and a number of major new signings joining us. All the signs are really positive for next season and it is a hugely exciting time to be involved with the club."