Newcastle complete third signing

Newcastle Falcons have continued their recruitment drive by signing Scotland scrum-half Rory Lawson on a two-year deal.

Despite finishing bottom of the Aviva Premiership and still facing the prospect of relegation to the Championship, the Tyneside outfit have been quick to improve their options. The Falcons have already brought in Carlo del Fava and Scott MacLeod from across the border in Scotland and have now snapped up Lawson from Gloucester. The 31-year-old, who has captained Scotland on five occasions, made 18 appearances for the Cherry and Whites last season, scoring one try. Lawson, who has helped Gloucester win the LV=Cup in his six years at Kingsholm, says he is excited to be joining Newcastle and has high hopes for next season. "I'm really looking forward to joining up with the Falcons this summer," Lawson told the Falcons' official website. "Newcastle's form towards the end of the season was strong and there's a lot we can build upon for next year to move the club forward."