Newcastle bolster front row options

American international prop Eric Fry has signed for Newcastle Falcons ahead of next season.
The 26-year-old, who has spent two seasons with London Scottish, will join from the capital at the end of the current campaign.
Standing at 6’3” tall and weighing in at just over 18 stone, the 23-times capped American will bring power and aggression to the Falcons front-row.
Fry made his international debut against Tonga in the Churchill Cup in 2011, before earning a call-up to the USA squad for the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.
Formerly of the University of California, Fry launched his professional career with ITM Cup side the Manawatu Turbos prior to making the switch to Scottish in January 2013.
“I’ve enjoyed my time at Scottish and we’ve had a reasonably successful season this year which is very pleasing,” he said.
“Newcastle will be a good challenge for me, and I’ve heard nothing but good things about the area.”
Director of rugby Dean Richards added: “Eric is a great acquisition for the club and gives us steel in the front-row.
“He’s been a cornerstone of the London Scottish pack over the last two seasons, and his experience at international level will help us.”