Mike Brown signs for Newcastle Falcons

Newcastle Falcons have confirmed the signing of Mike Brown from the Harlequins. 

Brown will leave the Stoop at the end of the season to join Newcastle. 

“I’ve enjoyed watching how the Falcons have performed this season since coming back up, and they’ve had some great results,” said the man who has made more offloads than any other player in this season’s Premiership, and is in the top ten for carries and tries scored.

“They play with an uncompromising toughness and have got some real X-factor players, and when the time comes to join up with them in the summer I know I’ll enjoy being part of it.”

Capped 72 times by England, the 35-year-old holds Harlequins’ all-time appearance record having played 348 times for the London club.

CONFIRMED: Mike Brown will leave Harlequins at the end of the season https://t.co/ATOmWjdoD3

— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) April 3, 2021

Scoring five tries in 13 starts this season to take his Quins try count past the 100 mark, the Southampton-born player has sought the inside track on his new club and likes what he has heard.

“I’ve spoken to people I know well about what Newcastle’s set-up is like – guys like Luther Burrell and Nick Easter to name just a couple,” said Brown.

“They just talked about how it’s a really tight-knit group of lads, and that the whole thing is centred around hard work, honesty and respect. I think that’s all you can ask for as a player, and I’m really excited by the prospect of going up there and fitting into that culture.”

Falcons boss Dean Richards needs no introduction to Brown having worked together during his own time at Harlequins, and the director of rugby is delighted to have been able to secure his signature.

He said: “Mike is a top-quality player who is right up there as the form full-back in England at the moment, and it’s a brilliant signing for us.

“He keeps himself in incredible shape, his levels of professionalism are extremely high and everybody knows about his ability.

“He’s got everything you want from a full-back – great under the high ball, big boot, fabulous counter-attacker and knows his way to the try-line.

“He can look after himself, which I like, and having worked with him previously I just know he’ll be a great fit who will add to the team while helping bring through our talented youngsters.”

Similarly enthused by the prospect of re-uniting with Richards, Brown said: “I’ve obviously worked with Dean and Minty [Newcastle defence coach Nick Easter] so I know what they’re about, and it’s an exciting new chapter.

“It feels like the Falcons are a club moving in the right direction, and I’m also looking forward to something different from a lifestyle point of view. It’s obviously a beautiful area with plenty going on in terms of your time away from rugby, and we’ll look forward to exploring that once we’re up there.

“I’ve also heard a lot about how local rugby clubs are an important part of the community in the region, and that’s something I find very appealing.

"A successful Newcastle Falcons side can have big knock-on effects for the whole sport in that part of the country, and we’re talking about a club which has won national cups and a Premiership title.

“To play for the same club which has had greats like Matt Burke and Jonny Wilkinson there before is pretty special, and I’m just excited about the whole thing.”