Falcons sign USA star Peterson

American international second rower Greg Peterson will be a Newcastle Falcons player next season after signing a two-year deal with the Kingston Park club.

The 27-year-old has 22 international caps to his name, the most recent of which came earlier this month, and is currently playing for French Top 14 club Bordeaux-Begles.

Peterson’s 6 foot 8 frame makes him a considerable line-out presence, the Australian-born player spending three seasons with Glasgow Warriors prior to moving to France.

The 122kg second-rower played 27 Pro 14 games for Glasgow and a further five in the Heineken Champions Cup, earning a taste of Premiership experience after featuring for Leicester Tigers during the 2014/15 season.

Newcastle Falcons director of rugby Dean Richards said: “Greg is a big line-out option for a rapidly-improving USA national side, and already has a wealth of experience at the top end of European club rugby.

“He gives us a real physical presence at the set-piece, and we look forward to welcoming him here next season.”