John Hardie extends his stay at Newcastle Falcons

The 16-times-capped Scotland flanker joined the Falcons at the end of October, the former Edinburgh man having spent the summer training with French giants Clermont.

“I’m incredibly grateful to Newcastle Falcons for giving me the opportunity of playing here in the first place,” said the 30-year-old, who broke through with Southland and the Highlanders in his native New Zealand before moving to Scotland in 2015.

Newcastle Falcons director of rugby Dean Richards said: “I’m absolutely delighted that we have been able to agree a longer-term deal with John, having initially brought him here for the rest of the current season.