The Newcastle Falcons sign Irish Scrum-Half from London, Hugh O’Sullivan

The 25-year-old has signed a two-year deal for the Falcons, who will welcome a new head coach when Alex Codling arrives from Oyonnax after France’s Pro-D2 promotion final next month.

Caretaker manager Mark Laycock said: “We are delighted to welcome Hugh to our squad.

“He has a really strong pass, good rugby brain and is used to playing fast rugby from his days at Leinster and London Irish. So he will be a welcome addition to our style of play next season.”

O’Sullivan made 20 appearances in his two years with the Exiles, starting and scoring one try in March’s impressive home win over Gallagher Premiership finalists Sale Sharks before earning another spot two weeks later when they defeated the semi-finalists Northampton Saints.

He scored two more tries for London Irish in cup play and made appearances in the Heineken Champions Cup at Leinster against Exeter, Toulouse and Wasps and a further 34 appearances in the URC and Rainbow Cup.

A two-time Leinster Schools Cup winner with Belvedere College, he graduated from the famous Leinster academy and gained international recognition among Ireland’s Under-20 players.

O’Sullivan said: “I played at Kingston Park in March when London Irish won there and the chance to stay in the Gallagher Premiership was a big deal for me.

“I’ve really fallen in love with the league and compared to the URC it just seems to me like it’s a lot more dangerous if anyone can beat anyone week in and week out. Every game feels like a big game and especially with Newcastle in mind it just seems like a good time to get involved.

“The club have a really proud history – I saw their social media post the other day about being the first club to win the Premiership title 25 years ago when they were just promoted – and there is every one Lots of legendary players that you would associate with the Falcons over the years.

“I’ve been looking at Newcastle for the last couple of seasons and there’s huge potential there.

“I know new head coach Alex Codling from when he coached my Ireland Under-18 team and it’s an exciting time to be working with a man like him.”