Kyle Cooper makes Exeter loan move

Newcastle Falcons hooker Kyle Cooper has agreed a loan move to Exeter Chiefs until the end of March.

The 30-year-old has made 51 appearances for the Falcons since joining from South African Super Rugby side the Sharks in the summer of 2016, with five of those coming this season.

Newcastle Falcons director of rugby Dean Richards said: "This is a great opportunity for Kyle to play Premiership rugby, and we look forward to his return later in the season.

"We are in the fortunate position of having a number of options at hooker at the present time, including Kyle.

"Jamie Blamire is an outstanding academy product who has really stepped up and made a big impact on the first-team stage, George McGuigan is a proven performer who is one of our co-captains and Charlie Maddison has shown up well since arriving from Jersey.

"We wish Kyle all the best for his time down at Exeter, where I'm sure he will give a good account of himself."