Scrum-half makes immediate Falcons switch

Newcastle Falcons have strengthened their options at scrum half with the addition of Sonatane Takulua to the squad with immediate effect.
The Tongan scrum-half, 24, has agreed terms that will see him join the Falcons roster for the remainder of the season and for the duration of the 2015/16 campaign.
A full international since 2014 with five caps to his name, Takulua has also featured for the Tongan Sevens team and arrives in the North East having spent the last two season playing for Northland in the ITM Cup.
He said: “I would like to thank the Newcastle Falcons for the opportunity to extend my playing experience in the UK. I am looking forward to learning and sharing skills and knowledge and I can't wait to get on the field.”
“My dream of playing full time rugby is finally coming true. It's been a lot of hard work and sacrifice but I'm delighted to be at Newcastle.”
Director of Rugby Dean Richards said: “Tane is a good quality player who has been making steady progress over in New Zealand through playing in the ITM Cup and being part of the Blues set up in their development squad last year.”
“I'm sure he will continue in that vein here at Kingston Park and make a valuable contribution to the club over the course of this season and next.”
“He has a good turn of pace and good strength and he will complement our existing scrum half options well giving the coaches another option in a key position.”