FALCONS LAND BLAIR
Blair, 31, who is Scotland’s most capped No.9 of all time with 85 appearances to his name, will make the move to the North East at the end of the current season.
Captaining Scotland 14 times, Blair toured South Africa with the British and Irish Lions in 2009 and is the only Scottish player in history to be nominated for the IRB Player of the Year award.
The Edinburgh-born half-back made his Scotland debut against Canada on the 2002 North American tour aged 21, and marked the occasion with a try.
Prior to making his international bow, Blair had already won honours at Schools, Under-19, Under-21, Sevens and ‘A’ levels.
A product of Edinburgh’s academy, the former Durham and Edinburgh University student enjoyed 10-years with the Murrayfield club before making the switch to Brive for the 2012-13 season.
“There has always been a strong Scottish influence at Newcastle Falcons and I am delighted to continue in that tradition,” Blair told the Falcons official website.
He added: “Newcastle has ambitions to challenge in the Aviva Premiership, and although there are still the play-offs to be played, they are in a good position to be promoted and to achieve this goal.
“I am really enjoying my time in France but I feel that playing with Newcastle Falcons will provide me with a rugby challenge that I have been looking for.”
Newcastle director of rugby Dean Richards said: “Mike is a fantastic acquisition for the club and he will add considerable experience from his time in the Scotland set-up.
“I look forward to welcoming him to Kingston Park.”
