NEWCASTLE Falcons have signed Samoan national team captain, Filipo Levi, on a two-year deal.

The 29-year-old Pacific Islanders flanker joins from Welsh club Ospreys, with his 6ft 7, 18 stone 2 frame adding considerable ability and experience to the Falcons’ back-row armoury.

Director of rugby Steve Bates said: "This is a real statement of intent by us as a club.

"We had identified Filipo a number of months ago as the sort of experienced leader who can help take this team to the next level, and have been working hard behind the scenes for a long while now to bring this move about.

"A number of other top teams were understandably chasing a player of his calibre, but we are delighted he has chosen to come to Newcastle."

Speaking after signing his new deal at Kingston Park, Levi said: "The Falcons have impressed me with their ambition and plans for the future, and I can’t wait to get on board.

"Newcastle is a club I have always been aware of, and having spent a lot of time talking to former team mates like Carl Hayman and Tane Tu’ipulotu, as well as coming up and seeing the facilities and the city for myself, I’m happy that we have been able to make it happen.

"I have always admired the Guinness Premiership as a competition, I have enjoyed my time with Ospreys and now I’m looking forward to the challenge of helping Newcastle achieve their ambitions.

"Obviously some of the attention at the moment is focused on guys leaving the club, and naturally it is an emotional time whenever that happens, as I remember myself from leaving Otago after many years there. But the players here are very motivated to build for next season, the management is showing great ambition in its recruitment and the changes they are bringing about will, I believe, result in Newcastle’s success."

Meanwhile, flanker Russell Winter has announced his retirement from rugby after making his 50th appearance for Falcons last weekend.

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