NEWCASTLE Falcons have strengthened their scrum-half options with the capture of Will Chudley from Championship side Bedford Blues.

With Micky Young having moved to Leicester Tigers, Jordi Pasqualin is expected to start next season as Falcons' first-choice number nine, having joined from Gloucester.

However, head coach Alan Tait has been keen to add more depth, and Chudley joins Chris Pilgrim in the support slots for the new campaign.

"He's quick, he's got a great service and I think he's a blend of our other two scrum-halves," said Tait.

"He's someone that came on the radar a month or so ago because I've been looking at young nines to come on board. I was thinking of getting an experienced guy in, but as I said to Jordi and the other guys coming in, I will give these lads a real good crack at Premiership rugby.

"Will doesn't want to come here to play second fiddle. I told him I would give him a fair crack of the whip and I've stuck to my word."

Chudley, 23, scored five tries in 18 appearances for Bedford last season, and is itching to pull on a Falcons shirt.

"It's fantastic to join Newcastle at such an exciting time," he said. "After visiting the facilities and meeting Alan Tait, this was an opportunity I could not turn down.

"I really enjoyed my time at Bedford and I would like to thank Mike Rayer, Nick Walshe and all the coaches for their help and support during my development.

"I am excited about the prospects at Newcastle and looking forward to a great season in the Premiership."