FORMER Newcastle Falcons forward Epi Taione should be easy to spot at this month's World Cup - because he has changed his name to Paddy Power.

The Tonga international, who has also represented Sale Sharks in the Guinness Premiership, changed his name by deed pool after signing a sponsorship deal with a leading Irish bookmakers bearing the same name.

Taione, who can play at centre, wing or number eight, will be known as Paddy Power throughout the six-week tournament after the bookmakers signed a five-figure deal to sponsor cash-strapped Tonga.

The 28-year-old will come up against England on September 28, although International Rugby Board officials are still to confirm whether he will be allowed to carry the name Paddy Power on the back of his shirt.

"It's a great fun idea," said Taione, whose English rugby career came to an end last February when he was banned for 18 weeks after pleading guilty to biting Munster's Denis Leamy in Sale's Heineken Cup defeat to the Irish province. "I was happy to help when I was asked. I hope some of the luck of the Irish rubs off on us."

Newcastle Falcons, meanwhile, have had two players named in the England Under-20s squad for the forthcoming season.

Fullback/centre Alex Tait graduates from the Under-19s side having represented England in this summer's World Cup in Belfast, while fly half Rob Miller is selected a year young after touring with England Under-18s to Australia.

Keswick School pupil Miller moved to the North East from Cumbria in the summer to train full time with the Falcons as well as starting his degree studies in the city, while Tait is going in to the second year of a chemistry degree at Newcastle University.

Miller, Tait and the rest of the England Under-20s squad meet for the first time later this month for a day of planning and goal-setting.