NEWS EXTRA

Double injury blow for Bristol

BRISTOL full-back Noah Heward will be out until the New Year after injuring his hamstring during a training session. The 23-year-old, who played 15 times last season, has undergone surgery.

Lock Steel Barker, who signed from Cornish Pirates this summer, will also be out for up to three months after breaking his foot while playing for Dings Crusaders last weekend.

Grayson signs short term deal at Newcastle

NEWCASTLE have completed the signing of fly-half/centre Ethan Grayson on a short-term deal. The 22-year-old son of former England flyhalf Paul, will be with the Falcons until the end of 2024 prior to resuming his contract with Major League Rugby‘s San Diego Legion.

A former England U20s international who came through Northampton‘s academy, Grayson made five senior appearances for the Saints and also shone for Championship side Bedford Blues on dual-registration.

Grayson said: “I’m in between seasons with San Diego and the timing has worked out really well, so I’ll be here until the new year and am looking forward to it.”