NEWCASTLE FALCONS have strengthened their scrum-half options with the signing of Tonga international Sonatane Takulua.

The 24-year-old number nine has joined with immediate effect, and will remain with Falcons until the end of next season.

A full international who has also represented Tonga at sevens, Takulua moves to Kingston Park from New Zealand, where he played for Northland in the ITM Cup and earned a place in the Auckland-based Super 15 club Blues’ development squad.

“I would like to thank Newcastle Falcons for the opportunity to extend my playing experience in the UK,” said Takulua. “I am looking forward to learning and sharing skills and knowledge and can't wait to get on the field.

“My dream of playing full-time rugby is finally coming true. It's been a lot of hard work and sacrifice, but I’m delighted to be at Newcastle.”

Falcons director of rugby Dean Richards said: “Tane is a good quality player who has been making steady progress over in New Zealand through playing in the ITM Cup and being part of the Blues set up last year.

“I’m sure he will continue in that vein here at Kingston Park and make a valuable contribution to the club over the course of this season and next.

“He has a good turn of pace and good strength, and will complement our existing scrum-half options well, giving the coaches another option in a key position.”