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.

The 25-year-old has signed a two-year deal to join 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 said: “I played at Kingston Park back in March when London Irish won up there, and the chance to stay in the Gallagher Premiership was a big thing for me.

“I’ve really fallen in love with the league, and compared with the URC it just feels like there’s a lot more jeopardy with anybody being able to beat anybody week to week. Every game feels like it’s a big one, and in terms of Newcastle in particular it just feels like a good time to join.

“The club’s got a really proud history – I saw their social media post the other day about being the first club to win the Premiership title 25 years ago when they’d just been promoted – and there are loads of legendary players you’d associate with the Falcons over the years.

“I’ve watched Newcastle over the past couple of seasons and there’s massive potential there.

"I know the new head coach Alex Codling from when he coached my Ireland Under-18s team, and it’s an exciting time to be working with a guy like him."