Logovi’i Mulipola to rejoin Newcastle Falcons

David Skippers

Logovi'I Mulipola of Newcastle Falcons pictured in the warm up before the Greene King IPA Championship match between Yorkshire Carnegie and Newcastle Falcons at Headingley Carnegie Stadium, Leeds on Sunday 19th January 2020. (Photo by Chris Lishman/MI News/NurPhoto )

Loosehead prop Logovi’i Mulipola will rejoin Newcastle Falcons for the 2020/21 Premiership season following a stint with Gloucester.

The Samoan international is currently on a short-term deal with the Cherry and Whites after helping the Falcons earn promotion back into the top-flight.

Capped 33 times by his country, including at last year’s Rugby World Cup, Mulipola has scored two tries in his 34 appearances for the Falcons since signing from Leicester Tigers two years ago.

The 33-year-old crossed the try-line in Newcastle’s last game – their 41-0 thumping of Bedford on March 13 coming just days before the Championship season was brought to a premature close due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Director of rugby Dean Richards said: “Logo boasts vast experience and an ability to play on both sides of the scrum, so it’s great news that he will be returning to Newcastle.

“His spell playing for Gloucester will help ensure he is match-sharp for when the new season starts at the back end of November, and knowing he will be on board just adds to the sense of stability around our squad.”

Mulipola will return to a club whose summer signings have included Argentina centre Matias Orlando, Treviso lock Marco Fuser, Harlequins centre Tom Penny, Doncaster centre Pete Lucock and defence coach Nick Easter.

Newcastle won every single one of their games in all competitions last season, sitting 18 points clear at the top of the Championship table and with a home semi-final secured in the Championship Cup prior to the campaign’s early finish.

A host of last season’s key players have also pledged their futures to the club with newly-extended contracts, including top try-scorer Adam Radwan and Scotland flanker Gary Graham.