Sonatane Takulua signs new Falcons deal

Tonga scrum-half Sonatane Takulua has signed a new four-year contract extension with Newcastle Falcons, which is a major boost in the build-up to Friday’s Premiership kick-off.

The 26-year-old was one of the Falcons’ stand-out performers last season, scoring six tries in his 13 Premiership appearances and kicking goals at a rate of 88%, the second-highest in the division based on a minimum of 20 attempts.

“It’s great news that a player of Tane’s quality, at the peak of his powers, has pledged his long-term future to Newcastle Falcons," said Director of rugby Dean Richards.

"He embodies what we as a club stand for in terms of his work ethic, family values and the fact he plays a positive brand of rugby with a smile on his face."

Takulua has been capped 23 times by Tonga, whom he helped to an unbeaten European tour last autumn and Rugby World Cup 2019 qualification this summer.