Newcastle Falcons bolster front-row stocks

Editor

Newcastle Falcons have added depth to their front-row stocks with the acquisition of former Wales prop Craig Mitchell on a three-month deal.

The 32-year-old has been capped 15 times by Wales and joins the Falcons having already played twice for their second-string side in the Premiership Rugby Shield over the past fortnight.

Newcastle’s director of rugby Dean Richards said: “Craig is a vastly-experienced campaigner who can add to our depth at a time when we have been hit by a number of injuries to our props.

“We have had a good look at him in action for our A-Team over the last couple of Shield games, and it’s great to be able to draft him in for the next three months.”

Making his professional breakthrough with the Ospreys, for whom he played 24 times in the PRO14 and a further seven in Europe, Mitchell then moved to Exeter Chiefs, turning out 26 times in the Premiership and eight in Europe.

Switching to Cardiff Blues for two years and the Dragons for one, Mitchell spent the tail end of last season with Championship side Yorkshire Carnegie and is already in training with the Falcons squad.