Newcastle Falcons have announced the signing of flanker Tom Gordon from newly-crowned URC champions, Glasgow Warriors.
The 27-year-old arrives on a two-year deal having made 76 appearances during his six seasons with the Warriors, including a start in their EPCR Challenge Cup victory at Kingston Park in April 2022.
The New Zealand-born openside, who qualifies for Scotland through his grandparents, moved to Edinburgh on a gap year at the age of 17 and never went back.
Winning the Scottish Premiership title with Currie and earning Scotland caps at under-18s and 20s levels, he spent time in Edinburgh’s academy before turning professional with Glasgow in the summer of 2018.
He will join some familiar faces among the Falcons' squad.
Gordon said: “I’ve had a great time with Glasgow and enjoyed being part of a successful squad this season, but it’s a good change and a big opportunity going to Newcastle.
“It’s a new city for me, a new team and a new competition, so it’s a real fresh start.
“I’ve already got a few mates down there who I know from my time in Scotland with the likes of Cammy Hutchison, Kiran McDonald, Murray McCallum and Cam Neild.
"They’re all good lads and I hear good things about the place, so I’m excited to rip in.”
Newcastle are aiming to turn around their fortunes having finished bottom of the Premiership table and without a win in 2023/24.
Steve Diamond, the club's consultant director of rugby, who also spent time with Edinburgh the season before last, was pleased to secure Gordon's services.
He said: “It’s really important that we get some knowledge into the team.
“Tom’s a hard-nosed Kiwi who has had a good level of experience with Glasgow.
"He’s great on the deck, he’s a fantastic character and he’s someone who will play a lot of rugby for us.”
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