Newcastle Falcons sign London Irish scrum-half Hugh O'Sullivan

London Irish scrum-half Hugh O’Sullivan has become Newcastle Falcons’ tenth senior signing as the club continues to build for the 2023-24 season and beyond.

The 25-year-old has signed a two-year deal to join the Falcons, who will welcome a new head coach when Alex Codling arrives next month from Oyonnax following France’s Pro D2 promotion final.

Interim head coach Mark Laycock said: “We are excited to welcome Hugh into our squad.

“He has a really strong pass, a good rugby brain and is used to playing high-tempo rugby from his time with Leinster and London Irish, so will be a welcome addition for how we want to play next season.”

O’Sullivan made 20 appearances in his two years with the Exiles, starting and scoring a try in March’s impressive home win over Gallagher Premiership finalists Sale Sharks before going on to earn another start a fortnight later when they defeated semi-finalists Northampton Saints.

Scoring a further two tries for London Irish in cup action, his Leinster exploits included Heineken Champions Cup outings against Exeter, Toulouse and Wasps as well as a further 34 appearances in the URC and Rainbow Cup.

A double Leinster Schools Cup winner with Belvedere College, he came through the famed Leinster academy and has earned international recognition with Ireland Under-20s.

O’Sullivan becomes the Falcons’ tenth senior signing, following on from the announcements of Josh Bainbridge (Coventry), Louis Brown (Coventry), Bryan Byrne (Bristol Bears), Tim Cardall (Melbourne Rebels), Cameron Hutchison (Edinburgh), John Kelly (Doncaster Knights), Ollie Leatherbarrow (Exeter Chiefs), Murray McCallum (Edinburgh) and Kiran McDonald (ex-Munster).

A further five players have also signed for the Falcons’ senior academy, with Newcastle University lock Adam Scott joining England Under-18s quartet Finn Baker, Isaac Keller, Jacob Oliver and Ben Redshaw.