Johnny Williams signs for Newcastle Falcons

Newcastle Falcons have added London Irish centre Johnny Williams to their squad for next season.

The 21-year-old has scored five tries in his 26 Premiership appearances for the Exiles, whom he helped to promotion from the RFU Championship last season.

"Johnny is a player I have admired for some time and he will bring a lot to our midfield," said the Falcons boss Dean Richards.

 "He is a good footballer who possesses a strong offloading game but he is also a strike runner capable of forcing his way in behind the defensive line, so he offers us a bit of everything.

 "It's great that talented young English players like Johnny are taking note of the progress Newcastle Falcons are making as a club, and that they are wanting to be part of it."

Predominantly an inside centre but with the ability to play outside centre, Williams won the Junior World Championship with England Under-20s in 2016 after previously representing his country at Under-18s and 17s levels.

He becomes the Falcons' fifth confirmed new signing for next season following the previously-announced arrivals of Logovi'i Mulipola (Leicester Tigers), Guy Graham (Hawick), George McGuigan (Leicester Tigers) and Tom Arscott (Rouen).