NEWCASTLE FALCONS have added London Irish centre Johnny Williams to their squad for next season.

Added of next weekend’s Aviva Premiership semi-final with Exeter Chiefs, Falcons have confirmed the signing of the 21-year-old, who has scored five tries in his 26 Premiership appearances for the Exiles.

Predominantly an inside centre, but also with the ability to play in an outside-centre role, Williams won the Junior World Championship with England Under-20s in 2016 after previously representing his country at Under-18s and 17s levels.

Standing at 6ft 3in, he offers a physical threat in both attack and defence, and Falcons director of rugby Dean Richards is delighted to have secured his signature.

“Johnny is a player I have admired for some time and he will bring a lot to our midfield,” said Richards. “He is a good footballer who possesses a strong off-loading game, but he is also a strike runner capable of forcing his way in behind the defensive line, so he offers us a bit of everything.

“It’s great that talented young English players like Johnny are taking note of the progress Newcastle Falcons are making as a club, and that they are wanting to be part of it.”

Williams is Falcons’ fifth confirmed signing for next season, following the arrival of Logovi'i Mulipola (Leicester), Guy Graham (Hawick), George McGuigan (Leicester) and Tom Arscott (Rouen).