Furno Heading for Falcons

Newcastle have announced the signing of Italy international lock Josh Furno from Biarritz.

Furno, one of the outstanding performers during this season's RBS 6 Nations Championship, will move to Kingston Park this summer.

He becomes Newcastle's ninth new signing for next term, and will arrive on Tyneside following earlier playing spells in Italy and France.

"I am delighted to be joining Newcastle Falcons," said 24-year-old Furno, who has won 18 caps.

""I am really looking forward to meeting all the boys and getting down to work.

"Having competed against the very best in the Top 14 and the RaboDirect PRO 12, I am now excited to be given the opportunity to challenge myself in the Aviva Premiership.

"I will be working hard to ensure that I play my part in what promises to be an exciting future for the club."

And Falcons rugby director Dean Richards added: " Josh is a fantastic signing, who is a great all-rounder when it comes to the set-piece, ball-carrying and his ability in defence."