Newcastle Falcons have completed the signing of fly-half/centre Ethan Grayson on a short-term deal.

The 22-year-old will be with the Falcons until the end of 2024 prior to resuming his contract with Major League Rugby’s San Diego Legion.

A former England Under-20s international who came through Northampton Saints’ academy, Grayson made five senior appearances for the Saints and also shone for Championship side Bedford Blues on dual-registration.

The son of former England fly-half Paul Grayson, Ethan’s 6 foot 3 frame and physicality have seen him lining up in midfield as well as in the No.10 shirt, with Newcastle Falcons boss Steve Diamond delighted to have him on board.

The director of rugby said: “Ethan is in between contracts with heading back to America in the new year, so it’s a window of opportunity for us to bring in a good young player for a few months.

“Our senior coach Alan Dickens knows him from their time together at Northampton Saints and England Under-20s, and he can do a job for us.

“We’ve spoken on a number of occasions about running a smaller squad this season, and one thing that does do is give us the ability to act quickly when players become available and we have a spot for them to come in.”

Grayson, who started training with the Falcons on Monday, said: “I’m in between seasons with San Diego and the timing has worked out well, so I’ll be here until the new year and am really looking forward to it.

“We got to the quarter-finals of Major League Rugby which finished in August and starts again in January, and during the interim I’ll be here in Newcastle trying to make a positive contribution.

“I’m buzzing to be back in a Premiership environment, to be working with Alan Dickens again and buying into the vision that Dimes has for the club.”

Asked what he hopes to add to the squad, the versatile back said: “I’d like to think I’m a distributor who can play across 10, 12 and 13, and bring a bit of a kicking game. I can run a short ball to the line as well with that element of physicality, and hopefully I can offer some variety.”

Newcastle Falcons open their Gallagher Premiership season at home to Bristol Bears on Friday. Click here to buy tickets for the 7.45pm kick-off at Kingston Park.

ETHAN GRAYSON BIOG

Position: Centre/fly-half

Born: 15/4/2002

Height: 1.90m (6 foot 3)

Weight: 100kg (15 stone 10)

Honours: England U20