NEWCASTLE FALCONS new boy Juan Pablo Socino has been named Championship Player of the Season.

The Argentinian centre has signed a two-year contract with Falcons after leaving Rotherham Titans, who he helped to the Championship play-offs, where they lost to Bristol.

Socino finished as the leading points scorer in the Championship, and was honoured at an awards ceremony in London last night.

"It's amazing, I never thought it was on the cards," said the 25-year-old. "It was such a massive surprise. It is a huge honour and the fact that it was voted for by my fellow players make it even more special.

"I am now looking forward to starting a new chapter with Newcastle - it's a dream come true. I came to the UK four years ago chasing the dream of playing professional rugby, and I just can't wait to get stuck in."