Newcastle Falcons sign Coventry open-side Josh Bainbridge

Coventry back-rower Josh Bainbridge is joining Newcastle Falcons on a two-year deal at the end of the season.

The open-side turned 27 last week and returns to his native North East, having played his junior rugby with Middlesbrough and Guisborough.

Going on to play for England Under-17s, 18s, 19s and 20s before embarking on a professional career which saw him shining for Yorkshire Carnegie, Jersey and Coventry as well as a loan spell at Bath, the foraging flanker insists he is relishing the opportunity to step up a division.

“I’m really excited about the opportunity of coming to Newcastle Falcons, and I realise it’s a pretty big step up from the Championship to Premiership rugby,” said Bainbridge.

“I know quite a few boys up at Newcastle so that will be helpful to begin with, and it’s just a great chance for me which I’m determined to take. I played with Josh Barton at Coventry, I know Callum Chick, Brett Connon and Seb de Chaves, and it sounds like a good group.”

Standing at 183cm (6 feet) and 103kg (16 stone 3), Bainbridge, who has played 45 games for Coventry, said: “I owe a lot to them because they’ve been absolutely fantastic in supporting me, both from a personal and professional point of view.

“I wouldn’t have been granted this opportunity at Newcastle without the support and improvement I’ve had down at Cov, and I’ll always owe them for that.”

Giving Falcons fans an idea of what to expect, he added: “I really enjoy defence, personally.

“I guess my game is just based around working hard, and I know I’ll have to do that with stepping up a division. It’s something that excites me though, and it’s a great opportunity to improve myself as a player.”

Newcastle Falcons’ interim head coach Mark Laycock said: “I remember Josh growing up when he was playing for Yorkshire. He was always very tenacious and competitive around the ruck area, and he’s continued that throughout his senior professional career.

“He’s a local lad from North Yorkshire so he knows this part of the world, and it’s always nice to have some lads with North-East pedigree.”

Bainbridge becomes the Falcons’ sixth new signing for next season, joining Murray McCallum (Edinburgh), John Kelly (Doncaster), Tim Cardall (Melbourne Rebels), Kiran McDonald (ex-Munster) and Ben Redshaw (academy graduate), with new head coach Alex Codling also due to join in the summer.

JOSH BAINBRIDGE BIOG

Born: 17/04/96

Height: 183cm (6 foot)

Weight: 103kg (16 stone 3)

Honours: England U20s, 19s, 18s, 17s.