Newcastle lock Fraser McKenzie has joined Edinburgh with immediate effect. Dunfermline-born McKenzie, 26, has agreed a two-year deal with the RaboDirect PRO12 outfit.

McKenzie signed for Newcastle a year ago and made 21 appearances. He has represented Scotland at Under-19, Under-20 and A team level.

Newcastle said that McKenzie, who began his career with Edinburgh before joining Sale Sharks and then the Falcons, had requested the move to enhance his chances of gaining full international honours with Scotland.

Falcons, meanwhile, have announced the reappointment of back-row forward Will Welch as club captain.

Welch, 24, will lead Newcastle into the new Aviva Premiership campaign – his third successive season at the helm.