Mavinga, Graham to join Newcastle Falcons next season

Newcastle Falcons have acquired the services of Lyon prop Sami Mavinga and Jersey Reds flanker Gary Graham for the 2017/18 season.

Mavinga, 23, had an impressive outing for Lyon when he featured against Newcastle Falcons in this season's European Challenge Cup encounter while Gary is a son of former Falcons prop George and was part of the team that won the Premiership title in 1997/98.

Newcastle Falcons rugby director Dean Richards stated that Mavinga's performance in the Challenge Cup game impressed him.

"Sami is a player who stood out for Lyon during their two Challenge Cup games against us this season," said Richards.

"That put him on our radar, and from there it has been a case of watching more of him in action and getting a fuller picture of what Sami can offer.

"He certainly carries well, he is a big strong boy and brings a lot of aggression to the role.

"We look forward to working with him over the summer and incorporating him into what is already a good group of front-row forwards for the coming campaign."

Newcastle Falcons are placed eighth in the table for the ongoing season of Aviva Premiership with seven wins from 17 matches.