Scotland international reunites with Falcons

Tighthead prop Jon Welsh has returned to the familiar surroundings of Kingston Park after signing for the Newcastle Falcons.

The 34 year-old Welsh already boasts an impressive 57 caps for the Falcons after the club was his home for four years previously.

In addition to that, Welsh has also been capped 12 times for Scotland, bringing some noteworthy experience to a Falcons outfit which has surprised many in the current Premiership with some fantastic play which has earned them three victories from five outings thus far.

Dean Richards, Falcons’ director of rugby, is in high spirits regarding the development:

“Jon is a proven performer and an outstanding character, so it’s great news that we have been able to add him to our squad,” he said.

“He has overcome some injury setbacks over the past couple of years but through a lot of hard work he is fit and in good condition, and has already started training with the squad.

“We are entering a real key phase of the season where the league games start to come thick and fast, and having the likes of Jon to call upon will really strengthen our chances of continuing the strong start we have made to the campaign.”

Welsh seemed equally pleased to be back, saying the following:

“It’s great to be back among so many familiar faces, and to meet some new ones as well.

“Obviously the Falcons are doing brilliantly in the league at the moment, I’ve been enjoying watching all of their games and it’s fantastic to be back involved with the squad.

“I’ve just been watching their games on TV as a supporter, cheering them on, but now that everything is finalised and I’m actually here again it’s a great feeling.

“There are so many good people here putting in so much hard work, and it’s paying off on the pitch. The victories they’ve had have all been earned, and the club’s in a great position now to really push on.

“The last couple of years had brought one injury after another but my last serious one is more than a year ago now, and hopefully that’s all behind me. There’s a really good medical and coaching team at Newcastle who are easing me back into things at the moment, and hopefully I’ll be playing as soon as possible.”