GLOUCESTER'S Alex Hearle will join Newcastle Falcons in the summer, having agreed a two-year deal at Kingston Park.

The 25-year-old can play at wing or centre and will be reunited with consultant director of rugby Steve Diamond, who he worked under at Worcester Warriors.

Standing at six foot one, and weighing more than 15 stone, the Shrewsbury College old boy came through Worcester’s academy system and made his Gallagher Premiership debut for the Warriors in 2020.

Hearle played 37 games for Worcester prior to their administration and was quickly snapped up by Gloucester, for whom he has played on 17 occasions, including a start in last weekend’s Premiership Rugby Cup semi-final victory over Exeter Chiefs.

“I can’t wait to play under Dimes again,” said the three-quarter, relishing the prospect of working with his former boss. “I had a great experience with him at Worcester Warriors before the unfortunate end to that period, and I love the type of environment he creates.

“I’m really looking forward to coming up to Newcastle in the summer, and I’ve played there on quite a few occasions. Every time I’ve been there I can’t believe how passionate the fans are, and it’ll be nice to have them on my side for once.

“The way the club is heading at the moment, I feel like there’s a lot of excitement around it and I can’t wait to get involved.

“I know people who’ve played there in recent years, and they’ve told me some great things about the club and the city. I’m just looking forward to the whole thing when the time comes, and I’m determined to make a positive contribution.”

Giving Falcons fans an idea of what to expect, he added: “I’m a hard-working player and I’ll throw absolutely everything I’ve got into making this move a success. I’ll not shy away from anything and I’m someone who will always get stuck in.

"I’ve probably played a little bit more on the wing than I have at 13, but I enjoy both and I’m genuinely happy in either role.

“You get more physicality at centre but more freedom to attack on the wing, so it’s not an issue wherever I’m needed the most. I’m just keen to help the team wherever I can, and it’s a really exciting opportunity.”

Happy to be reunited with his former charge, Diamond said: “Alex is a really good addition to our squad and I’m looking forward to working with him again after our time together at Worcester.

“He’s an outstanding team man, he plays a couple of positions and he does the basics really well. He has been playing to a good standard at Gloucester and I know he will fit in here at Newcastle as we look to take the squad forward.”