Newcastle Falcons have continued their influx of playing talent with the signing of dynamic back-rower Chris York from Aviva Premiership champions Harlequins.

The 22-year-old arrives at Kingston Park in a 2-year deal, bringing pace, physicality and handling skills to the North East club.

Learning his trade at Harlequins under England No 8 Nick Easter and England Saxons’ Tom Guest, York has also competed for back-row game-time with England captain Chris Robshaw and Samoan international Maurie Fa’asavalu, among others.

Making 28 appearances for the London club despite their stiff back-row competition, the Epsom-born forward featured ten times this season in their title-winning charge.

York’s move to Newcastle will reunite him with former Harlequins director of rugby Dean Richards, who takes up position at Kingston Park in August.

Commercial Director, Duncan Edward said, "I am delighted that a young talent has joined us especially with his experience at Quins in their Championship winning season."

His is one of eight new arrivals already confirmed by the Falcons as they build for a strong future, with Scotland pair Rory Lawson and Scott MacLeod both signed up.

Italian international lock Carlo del Fava, former favourite Tane Tu’ipulotu and Worcester prop Oliver Tomaszczyk are joined at the club next season by experienced back-line pair Alex Crockett and Andy Higgins.

The club also has exciting plans to further add to the playing and coaching staff in the coming weeks, with season ticket sales already significantly up on the same time last year and all executive boxes sold.