Newcastle Falcons sign Canada prop Jake Ilnicki

Newcastle Falcons have announced the signing of Canada prop Jake Ilnicki.

Capped 21 times by Canada after making his international debut in 2013, Ilnicki played three tests for Canada during this summer's programme, starting against Georgia and twice against the USA.

"Jake has joined us to strengthen our tight-head options due to injuries in that position, and we look forward to working with him, said Falcons director of rugby Dean Richards.

"He is an established international player, an up-and-coming talent and he already has some experience of English rugby after spending last season with Northampton Saints."

The British-Columbia-born forward has also played for Manawatu in New Zealand's National Provincial Championship, New South Wales Country Eagles in Australia's National Rugby Championship and San Diego Breakers in the USA's Pro Rugby competition. 

The 25-year-old has signed until the end of the current season due to long-term injuries to David Wilson and Scott Wilson, and will make his debut in Monday's A-League fixture at Wasps.