Newcastle Falcons have strengthened their half-back options with the signing of Will Chudley from Bedford Blues.

The 23-year-old scrum-half, follows in the footsteps of former Bedford wing ace Luke Fielden to Kingston Park, as head coach Alan Tait builds for the new Aviva Premiership campaign.

Chudley crossed the whitewash five times in 18 appearances for the Championship club last season, including an impressive display against Worcester in the play-off semi final.

“I thought he was man of the match against Worcester,” Tait said.

“If there was ever a game to make my mind up, then that was it. He’s quick, he’s got a great service and I think he’s a blend of our other two scrum-half’s, Chris Pilgrim and Jordi Pasqualin.

“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 Pasqualin 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 is itching to pull on the Falcons jersey, saying: “It’s fantastic to join Newcastle at such an exciting time and 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.”