Newcastle Falcons have added proven international class to its back row with the signing of Scotland and Edinburgh star Ally Hogg.
The 27-year-old has scored ten tries in his 48 caps for Scotland, with his athleticism and footballing ability set to add a new dimension to the Falcons' forward ranks.
Standing at 6ft 3 and weighing 17 stone 2, the former age-group basketball international has scored 16 tries in his 92 Magners League appearances for Edinburgh as well as a further five tries in 35 Heineken Cup outings.
Speaking after announcing a two-year deal for Hogg to join his Falcons side, Newcastle head coach Alan Tait said: "Ally is a vastly experienced top international player who ticks all the boxes for us.
"He is a natural leader, a fantastic footballer and a real dynamic presence with the ability to play at either No.8 or on the flank. He knows his way to the try line, has excellent skills and at 27 is just the right sort of age to become a real key figure in this team as we look to drive the club forward going into the new season.
"He has competed on the top international stage for a number of years now, I know his game and his character inside out from our time together with Scotland and I firmly believe he will be a pivotal signing for us.
"I think Ally is someone whose attacking style will excite our supporters, he brings something different to the table for us and we look forward to integrating him into our squad for the start of pre-season training."
Newcastle Falcons signed Bedford fullback Luke Fielden. The 25-year-old returns to Kingston Park on a one-year deal, having been part of the Falcons academy during his studies in the North-East.
Helping the Falcons win their first ever Middlesex Sevens title in 2007 at Twickenham, Fielden has since gone on to take the Championship by storm, running in 14 tries in 25 starts for Bedford on their way to the end-of-season play-off semi-finals.
The previous season saw him rack up a staggering 27 tries in 24 matches for Cambridge in National League one, including five hat-tricks.
Falcons head coach Alan Tait said: "Luke is somebody who has been on our a while now, and I am delighted to have finally got him here on a full-time contract.
"He has consistently been one of Bedford's stand-out performers in a strong Championship side this season, and he brings us considerable flair and finishing power as we continue to build our squad for the new season.
"He is a class footballer whose style of play should excite the fans, and with a full pre-season under his belt we look forward to him fighting hard for a place in the side."
ALLY HOGG FACTFILE
Position: Back row
Born: 20/2/83
Height: 6ft 3
Weight: 17 stone 2
Previous Clubs: Edinburgh (21 tries in 127 appearances)
International honours: Scotland (10 tries in 48 Tests)
LUKE FIELDEN FACTFILE
Position: Fullback
Born: 29/3/85
Previous clubs: Newcastle Falcons academy, Cambridge, Bedford
