Newcastle Falcons sign Exeter Chiefs' Ollie Leatherbarrow

Exeter Chiefs back-rower Ollie Leatherbarrow is joining Newcastle Falcons in the summer, with the former Scotland Under-20s international arriving on a two-year deal.

Leatherbarrow, who turned 21 earlier this month, is a former Sale Sharks Under-18s captain who headed to Devon to study for an economics degree at Exeter University.

Captaining his university in the BUCS Super Rugby competition as well as representing the Chiefs, the 6 foot 1 forward said: “I’m massively excited by the move and the chance to be part of the Newcastle squad.

Welcoming news of the back-rower’s arrival, interim head coach Mark Laycock said: “We’re looking forward to Ollie arriving in the summer and giving us some strong go-forward, as well as further competition in the back row.

“I remember when he played against us for Sale Sharks Under-18s, and he was always a really physical and abrasive ball carrier.

“He’s been down to Exeter University and spent a couple of years with the Chiefs during that time, and it looks like he has continued along the same lines in terms of his carrying threat and what he brings to the game.”

Leatherbarrow becomes the Falcons’ sixth confirmed new arrival for next season following the previously announced signings of Murray McCallum (Edinburgh), Tim Cardall (Melbourne Rebels), Kiran McDonald (ex-Munster), Ben Redshaw (Falcons academy) and John Kelly (Doncaster Knights), with Oyonnax’s Alex Codling also set to join as head coach.