Mavinga can add heft to Falcons

NEWCASTLE Falcons have strengthened their forward pack for next season with the signings of Lyon prop Sami Mavinga and Jersey Reds flanker Gary Graham, while new contracts have been confirmed for prop Jon Welsh and centre Chris Harris.

Mavinga, 23, played against the Falcons in this season’s European Challenge Cup, scoring a try, while Graham, 24, joins the club with which his father George won the 1997-8 Premiership title.

Newcastle Falcons director of rugby Dean Richards said of the 115kg Mavinga: “Sami stood out for Lyon during their two Challenge Cup games against us.

“He certainly carries well, he is a big strong boy and brings a lot of aggression to the role. We look forward to working with him over the summer and incorporating him into what is already a good group of front-row forwards for the coming campaign.”