Sebastian de Chaves returns to Newcastle Falcons

Sebastian de Chaves will return for a second spell at Newcastle Falcons, with the experienced lock-forward signing a two-year deal.

The 31-year-old was part of the Falcons squad which won the 2019-20 Championship title, making 15 appearances in a season which was cut short due to the pandemic.

The former Mont de Marsan and Leicester Tigers player has had two spells at London Irish and enjoyed a short stint with Wasps this season, with De Chaves currently in the USA playing for Austin Gilgronis.

Austin are top of Major League Rugby with ten wins from their 13 games - the Texas-based franchise aiming to win the competition’s final on the weekend of June 25-26.

Asked about his varied playing programme this season and his impending move back to Newcastle, the 6 foot 7 South-African-born forward said: “My time in America has been very enjoyable with a very different culture and sporting country. I have loved my time here and met some amazing people.

“My small stint at Wasps this season was very enjoyable - a great club with great players and staff – and it was an awesome feeling to be back in the Premiership.

"I’m very much looking forward to being back there with Newcastle as it’s one of the best and most competitive leagues in the world, so I’m really looking forward to the challenge.”

De Chaves added: “My first spell at Newcastle was very enjoyable.

"They’re a great club with some great people and players, and to have won the Championship there was amazing to be a part of.

“I would like to think I bring some experience and set-piece expertise, but I also just want to help the squad in any way I can to help the team perform, and be a great team-mate on and off the field.”

De Chaves becomes the Falcons' fourth signing for next season, following the previously-announced arrivals of Ospreys fly-half Josh Thomas, Doncaster lock Josh Peters and Bath fly-half Tian Schoeman.