NEWCASTLE FALCONS have added Jersey prop Sam Lockwood to their squad for next season.

The 27-year-old loose-head, a former England Students international, has spent the last three seasons with the Championship side, having moved to the Channel Islands from Yorkshire Carnegie.

“The opportunity to play in the top-flight is definitely the main driver for me,” said Lockwood. “It all came through very quickly, and I am really looking forward to being at the Falcons and living in the area.

“I am friends with Calum Green, who plays up there, he spoke very highly of the club and that helped make it an easy decision for me.”

Newcastle Falcons director of rugby, Dean Richards, added: “Sam has been recognised as the best scrummaging loose-head in the RFU Championship. He is a good all-round player who will benefit from the challenge of stepping up to the Aviva Premiership.”