Newcastle Falcons have added further physicality to their tight-five stocks with the signing of Jersey Reds second-rower John Hawkins.

The 26-year-old Englishman joins until the end of the 2024-25 season, having signed for RFU Championship winners Jersey in the summer.

Standing at 1.96m (6 foot 5) and weighing 117kg (18 stone 6), Hawkins previously played with Bristol Bears, for whom he made 47 first-team appearances.

A former Northampton Saints academy player, Hawkins said: “If you’d spoken to me last week I obviously wouldn’t have expected to be here in Newcastle, and it’s been a really difficult time for everyone associated with Jersey Reds.

“We had a good win over at Bath in the Prem Cup but it’s just been a whirlwind in terms of what followed over the last week or so. None of us expected it and we were really tight as a group, but given all the uncertainty it was just a case of getting on a ferry to the mainland and driving up to Newcastle.

“That said, I’m incredibly excited to be here now – it’s a brilliant club and I’m grateful for the opportunity.

“I’ve played against Newcastle a few times, I know what to expect and it’s a great place to come and play.”

Outlining his rugby journey and what he hopes to add to the Falcons’ ranks, Hawkins explained: “I’m from Bedfordshire originally and was part of Northampton Saints’ academy growing up.

“I moved to Bristol Bears when I was 18 and played there right up until this summer when I signed for Jersey, and I enjoyed my brief time on the island before the events of last week.

“I love a line-out, and I guess a lot of my game is basically just the horrible unseen work. I’ll just get my head down and do the bits that people don’t want to do, which will hopefully be to the benefit of the team.”

Newcastle Falcons head coach Alex Codling, a former England second row during his own playing days, said: “I would like to welcome John to the club and I’m delighted to be able to bring him in.

“It goes without saying we wish it could be under better circumstances given everything that has happened with Jersey Reds, but John is a talented player who will add valuable physicality to our forward pack as we look to attack the new season.”

Newcastle Falcons are next in action on Sunday when Caldy visit Kingston Park in Premiership Rugby Cup action.

Click here to buy tickets for the 2.15pm kick-off, priced at £15 for adults and £7 for under-18s.

JOHN HAWKINS BIO

Position: Lock

Born: 11/11/1996

Height: 1.96m (6 foot 5)

Weight: 117 kg (18 stone 6)