ENGLAND Sevens centre Rob Vickerman has signed a two-year deal with Newcastle.

Vickerman, 23, scored 10 tries in 11 starts in Leeds Carnegie’s promotion season but has opted to leave West Yorkshire for Tyneside.

Falcons director of rugby Steve Bates said: ‘‘Rob is rated as one of the top young centres in the country, and is a player we have been watching for some considerable time.

‘‘He is a strong physical presence who also has great footballing ability, and he will be a welcome addition to our squad going into the new season.’’ Vickerman becomes the seventh new player to join the Falcons this summer, following Jimmy Gopperth, Tom Biggs, James Hudson, Charlie Amesbury, Josh Afu and Filipo Levi.

Biggs last night claimed a change of scenery would help him become a proven Premiership force.

The winger is another to have agreed a summer move from Leeds.

The 24-year-old England Saxon has spent the last few days getting to know the Falcons coaching staff ahead of a summer break.

Biggs admits it was a wrench to leave Leeds, but with Newcastle expected to confirm another two or three signings within the next two weeks, the Yorkshireman is delighted to have joined a Falcons set-up he believes is going places.

“It’s an exciting time for me, and for the club as well with the quality of players they have on board for next season,”

said Biggs, who scored 52 tries in 96 starts for Leeds.

“It was tough to leave, because Leeds is the only professional club I’ve ever played for and I have a lot of great friends there.

“But the time was right for a new challenge, Newcastle Falcons is a club on the up right now and I want to really test myself in a new environment.”

■ Mike Catt is convinced he can help Ryan Lamb achieve his full potential after the fly-half completed his move from Gloucester to London Irish.

Lamb was released by Gloucester after Kingsholm boss Dean Ryan admitted he could not take his squad any further.

Ryan claimed it was ‘‘no surprise’’ a number of his brightest young talents had not gone on to represent England because they did not have what it takes on perform at the highest level.

But Catt believes otherwise. London Irish swooped to sign the 23-year-old and believe he will form a potent half-back combination with Paul Hodgson.

And Catt, who is set to start at fly-half for London Irish in Saturday’s Guinness Premiership final against Leicester, believes the Exiles’ environment and style of play will bring the best out of Lamb.

‘‘Ryan Lamb is a massively talented guy. Unfortunately at Gloucester he hasn’t been able to express his ability on the pitch,’’ said Catt.