Centre Sammy Arnold joins Newcastle Falcons
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Newcastle Falcons have added physicality and dynamism to their midfield with the signing of Brive’s Sammy Arnold on a two-year deal.
The 28-year-old centre has one Ireland cap and more than a century of top-flight appearances to his name having played for Ulster, Munster and Connacht before spending the last two seasons in France.
Born in England but moving across the Irish Sea as a teenager to pursue his rugby dream, Arnold shone for Ireland Under-20s and made his first team debut for Ulster at the age of just 18, playing two seasons in Belfast before joining Munster.
His direct running and big hitting made him a favourite at Thomond Park, with the 6 foot (1.82m) and 16 stone 1 (102kg) centre scoring eight tries in his 45 games for the Munstermen, for whom he started a Champions Cup semi-final.
Arnold’s single test cap came for Ireland against the USA back in 2018, with the tough-tackling midfield man continuing his club career with two seasons at Connacht.
Scoring eight tries in his 38 matches for the Galway-based province, Arnold took his talents to France in 2022, playing 14 times for Brive during his debut Top 14 campaign and making a further 11 appearances for them last season.
Director of rugby Steve Diamond spoke of his delight at securing the centre’s signature, saying: “Sammy brings a wealth of experience and a hard edge to our midfield.
“I’ve spoken about bringing in guys who’ve played more than 100 top-flight games, are at a good age and are preferably English-qualified, so he fits that bill perfectly.
“He’s started a Champions Cup semi-final, he’s had a taste of international rugby and he brings that element of toughness and experience that we’ve been looking for.
“He’s a good defender, he carries well and he’s English-qualified, so he ticks a lot of boxes for us.
“I liked him from the moment I first spoke to him on the phone because he’s a really down-to-earth lad who will fit in with our culture, and I think this is a really important signing for Newcastle.”
Arnold was equally enthusiastic about the move, saying: “I’m excited to get back to England and to experience Premiership rugby with Newcastle Falcons.
“I’ve had eight seasons in Ireland and two in France, so I’ve seen a fair bit, and I’m keen to add what I can to Newcastle’s squad.
“I see my role as bringing physicality and power to the midfield, and some experience as well.
“I’ve enjoyed my two years in France but it just felt like it was time for us as a family to come back to the UK, and I’m excited by the vision and the challenge that Steve Diamond has mapped out at Newcastle.”
Arnold becomes the Falcons’ 11th new signing for next season following the previously-announced arrivals of Glasgow flanker Tom Gordon, Edinburgh prop Luan de Bruin, Gloucester wing/centre Alex Hearle, Sale Sharks centre Connor Doherty, Leicester Tigers fly-half Kieran Wilkinson, Sale Sharks flanker Cameron Neild, Doncaster Knights back Jack Metcalf and England Students trio Max Pepper, Callum Hancock and Connor Hancock.
Five talented local players also step up to the senior academy with the signings of centre Rhys Beeckmans, scrum-half Joe Davis, fly-half Junior Newton, back-rower Reuben Parsons and fellow back-rower Charlie Turnbull.
SAMMY ARNOLD BIOG
Position: Centre
Born: 8/4/96
Height: 1.82m (6 foot)
Weight: 102kg (16 stone 1)
Honours: Ireland
