NEWCASTLE Falcons yesterday unveiled Newport winger Alex Cadwallader as their third new signing for next season.

He joins Garath Archer and England Sevens star Ben Gollings as part of the 29-man senior squad, in which South Africans Mark Andrews and Warren Britz will also be retained, along with former All Blacks centre Mark Mayerhofler.

Cadwallader is a product of the Bristol academy and has played for England Under 21s.

He replaces Liam Botham, whose agent has been offering him to Rugby League clubs since his release by the Falcons.

Another player who seems unlikely to feature next season is Samoan flanker Soa Otuvaka, who had an operation to remove a brain tumour after collapsing in the Durham Cup final during his loan spell with Darlington Mowden Park.

Falcons' pre-season training began on July 1 and Hugh Vyvyan and Dave Walder have just returned to the fold after their success with England A in Canada and Japan.

Falcons will compete in the Middlesex Sevens on August 16 and have arranged friendlies away to Glasgow on August 22 and Llanelli on August 29.

The Zurich Premiership programme begins with two home games in succession against Saracens on September 14 and Sale Sharks the following week with a new kick-off time of 3pm.

In line with Premier Rugby policy the Falcons will run a Development XV, as opposed to the U21 team next season, and they will play mainly on a Monday night.

Director of Rugby Rob Andrew said: "Last season was a real rollercoaster ride.

"We have refocused our thoughts, brought in Alex, Garath and Ben to strengthen the team and are are confident of a much-improved season."

* National Division Three North rivals Blaydon and Darlington have been paired together in the first round of the Powergen Cup. The match will be at Crow Trees on September 6, when Darlington Mowden Park are at home to Kendal.

Westoe visit Hull Ionians in the preliminary round on August 30.

* Wearside's Keith Wallace was installed as Durham County president at the annual meeting at Durham City RFC.

His club, formerly known as Belford House, celebrate their 50th anniversary next season. Wallace is also liaison officer for women's and girls' rugby in the North-East.

The senior vice-president is Robin Wannop (Ryton), who is also Durham's RFU representative, a county selector and Youth Task Group secretary.