NEWCASTLE FALCONS have signed Irish tight-head prop Paddy Ryan from French lower-league side Libourne on a two-year deal.

Ryan, who has already begun pre-season training in the North-East with his new team-mates, will help plug the gap created by the departures of Kieran Brookes, Oliver Tomaszczyk, Mark Irving and JP Orlandi.

Capable of packing down on either side of the scrum, the 24-year-old has experience of the Championship with London Welsh and the Italian National Championship with Viadana.

Falcons director of rugby Dean Richards said: “Paddy was brought to our attention by Jamie Noon and having seen some of his games, we’re pleased to have brought him to Kingston Park.

“He has a good level of experience having played in Italy’s national competition and the European Challenge Cup and has impressed the coaches so far in pre-season with his athleticism in the running drills. He has a lot of potential, and I’m looking forward to seeing him realise that with us.”

Ryan, whose elder brother, Tim, spent a season with Falcons in 2010-11, faces competition from Scotland international Jon Welsh, England Saxon Scott Wilson and Tongan Taione Vea, and accepts he will have to be patient as he looks to break into the senior ranks.

He said: “My aim is to try and push for the bench for a few games, and to break into the team the year after. There are a lot of games back to back with the way the season is scheduled after the World Cup, and hopefully I can put my hand up.”