Flanker John Hardie signs new two-year deal with Newcastle Falcons

Flanker John Hardie has extended his association with Newcastle Falcons after signing a new two-year contract with the Gallagher Premiership club.

Hardie joined the Falcons from Edinburgh in October last year and has played in five Premiership games until now starting in all the matches.

The 30-year-old also played for provincial sides Southland between 2007 and 2014 and also featured for Super Rugby side Highlanders between 2010 and 2015.

“I’m incredibly grateful to Newcastle Falcons for giving me the opportunity of playing here in the first place,” said Hardie to the official website of the club.

“I’m enjoying playing in the Gallagher Premiership, it’s a new competition to me and something I’d always wanted to have a crack at.

“The lads have been great in terms of how they’ve welcomed me to the club, the set-up here is enjoyable and despite our current league position I’ve got absolute full confidence that we have the quality and mind-set to pull ourselves up the league.”

Hardie qualified to play for Scotland through his grandmother and was part of the 2015 World Cup squad with his first international try coming against Japan in the showpiece event.

The back-row has played for Scotland in 16 Tests with his last appearance coming during the summer tour in 2017.

“I’m absolutely delighted that we have been able to agree a longer-term deal with John, having initially brought him here for the rest of the current season," said director of rugby Dean Richards.

“He is a proven performer at the very highest level, he offers a lot to the side and his work around the breakdown and tackle area is absolutely top class.

“It’s great news that John sees his future with the Falcons, and it says a lot about the environment here that players of his quality are willing to sign.”