Scotland centre Chris Harris swaps Newcastle for Gloucester
Newcastle Falcon's Chris Harris during the Gallagher Premiership match at Kingston Park, Newcastle on September 2, 2018.
Gloucester have announced the signing of Scotland international Chris Harris, who joins the club following Newcastle Falcons’ relegation from the Premiership.
Born in Carlisle, the 28-year-old has been part of the Falcons set-up since moving to Newcastle to study at Northumbria University to study Architectural Technology at the age of 18. He progressed through the academy and spent time on dual registration with Tynedale and Rotherham Titans.
He has been a fixture in the Newcastle midfield in recent seasons, making 77 Premiership appearances and scoring 11 tries, and made his full Scotland debut against Samoa at Murrayfield in November 2017. He has won eight full caps and scored one try at international level.
Gloucester director of rugby David Humphreys admitted that adding strength in depth to the squad is key as the club looks to build upon the progress made this season.
“We’re delighted that Chris has agreed to join Gloucester and to add another international calibre player to the squad, one who also possesses significant Premiership experience,” Humphreys said.
“As is the case with all Premiership clubs, there are times when the squad is tested to the max due to injuries and international commitments, for example. Chris is a proven talent, a quality player and will add to our options in the backline.”
Chris Harris will exit Kingston Park this summer, after exercising a release clause in his contract.https://t.co/hFp2hISUk8 pic.twitter.com/GwDyu4tYrP
— Newcastle Falcons (@FalconsRugby) June 6, 2019
Meanwhile, Harris is looking forward to embracing his new challenge. “It’s all happened very quickly to be honest,” he said.
“I’ve loved every minute of my time with the Falcons and will be forever grateful to them. However, I’m at the stage of my career where I need to be performing at the highest level of the club game.
“Watching from outside, I’ve been so impressed with what Gloucester have done over the past couple of seasons and can’t wait to link up with my team-mates and start to contribute.
“They seem to have a great team culture, and play some entertaining rugby. I’ve always enjoyed playing at Kingsholm so it promises to be an exciting new chapter.”