Scotland Under-20s lock Andrew Davidson has become Newcastle Falcons’ 10th new signing ahead of the 2016-17 campaign.
The 19-year-old who stand at 6 foot 7 was part of the Scotland Under-20s side which beat England 24-6 in February of this year, and joins the Falcons from the BT Sport Scottish Rugby Academy’.
Newcastle director of rugby Dean Richards said: “Andrew has been a stand-out player for Scotland at Under-20s level, he is a major talent and has the ability to play in the second-row or at number six. He has a lot to offer and we are extremely happy he has agreed to join us.”
Davidson, who has played for Scotland in the Junior World Championship, came through Kelvinside Academy and has previously represented Glasgow Hawks at club level as well as playing for Scotland Under-16s and 18s.
Delighted to have sealed his move to Kingston Park Stadium, he said: “Newcastle’s club ethos seems really good and I was incredibly impressed by that when I met with Dean Richards.
“I love the attitude of the club and its supporters – I came to the game when they played London Irish last month and the atmosphere inside the ground was tremendous. To play in front of that would be an honour, but I know I have to earn my place through hard work and showing to the coaches that I am worthy of selection.”
Asked what he hopes to bring to the Falcons’ squad, Davidson said: “Having played in both the second row and back row I feel I have got an awareness of the game and a tactical ability around the tackle area.
“Hopefully I can add a bit of bulk to the forwards, and the chance to play in the Aviva Premiership was a big draw. It is one of the best leagues in the world, if not the best, and it has always been a goal to play at the highest level I can. I now have that opportunity and am thankful to Dean for making this move a reality.”
Davidson’s arrival adds to Newcastle’s nine previously-announced signings for 2016-17 – Vereniki Goneva (Leicester), David Tameilau (USA), Sam Lockwood (Jersey), Joel Hodgson (Yorkshire Carnegie), Nick Civetta (I Medicei, Italy), Harrison Orr (Ealing), Sam Egerton (England 7s), Evan Olmstead (London Scottish) and Ben Sowrey (Worcester).