Connacht prop Conor Kenny signs up
The 24-year-old tight-head has made 11 first team appearances for the Pro 14 outfit, having represented Ireland at Under-18s, 19s and 20s levels.
“I’m really excited about coming over,” said Kenny, the 6ft 1, 125kg forward who will link up with his new team-mates for pre-season.
“When I first spoke to Newcastle’s director of rugby Dean Richards a little while back I was very taken by where he wants the club to go, and it sounds like we have the same mind-set.
“I want to play for a guy like that at a club with those values, and it always felt like a good fit.”
Explaining his rugby journey, the prop said: “I first started playing rugby when I was 10 or 11, and went on to play age-grade rugby with Connacht and Ireland.
“I got into Connacht’s academy and was playing a bit for my home club, Buccaneers. I didn’t start taking rugby seriously as a career option until probably the final year of my academy, but once I’d played a few professional games I felt like a different person and just threw myself into it.
“It’s been a long journey, but everything appears to be going in an upward direction now.”
Falcons boss Richards said: “Conor is a very promising tight-head who will add to the competition we have in our front-row.
“We look forward to his arrival, and I’m confident he can show up well at this level.”
