Newcastle Falcons acquire Ryan Burrows signing

Aviva Premiership club Newcastle Falcons have signed Yorkshire Carnegie skipper Ryan Burrows for the start of the next season.

The back-rower has been a part of Yorkshire Carnegie since 2011 and has made 138 appearances since then and has also played for RFU Championship side Rotherham more than 100 times prior to his association with the Leeds side.

Burrows will be the fifth signing for Dean Richards' men for next season apart from France centre Maxime Mermoz, Canada wing DTH van der Merwe and brothers Josh and Joel Matavesi.

Richards believes Burrows will add a lot of flexibility to the side and is a strong leadership candidate.

"Ryan is an experienced performer who has played to a consistently high standard in the championship over a number of years now, and really deserves this chance to step up," said Richards.

"His ball-carrying, leadership and work rate will all be major assets when he joins us in the summer, before which time I know he is completely committed to helping Yorkshire Carnegie finish their season strongly."

Burrows, 28, said he was impressed with Newcastle Falcons' ambition and is looking forward to be a part of it next season.

"Having spoken to Dean Richards, he really sold the vision and the ambition of the club moving forward," said Burrows.

"Watching where they have come from in terms of being a championship side four years ago, they are now pushing for a top-six Aviva Premiership place and are beating big sides on a regular basis.

"They are playing a style of rugby which really appeals to me, and overall it's just an attractive prospect."