Osprey is to be a Falcon for two years
OSPREYS fly-half Josh Thomas has signed for Newcastle Falcons, joining the Gallagher Premiership club this summer on a two-year deal.
The 21-year-old is a former Wales under-20s international who has made 23 senior appearances for Ospreys, one of which saw him scoring the winning try away to Leinster.
Able to play at full-back as well as fly-half, Thomas said: “Moving to Newcastle is an exciting opportunity which I couldn’t really turn down.
“I’ve wanted to play in the Premiership – it’s a new competition for me and a challenge that I’m looking forward to.
“There are loads of positive aspects to playing in the Premiership, and I want to go up to Newcastle, really compete and test myself.”
Asked where he sees the strengths of his game, Thomas said: “I like to take the ball to the line and challenge defences, have a crack and put players into space.
“I’ve played fly-half and fullback, but I’ve played more at fly-half. I’d like to think I have an eye for a gap, so when it’s on, it’s on. I like to have a go, and that’s pretty much my approach to it.”
Relishing his new opportunity, he added: “I’ve watched some of Newcastle’s games, and it’s exciting to be joining them. They like to attack, they want to play at pace and I just want to learn in that environment.
“I’ve spoken to Dave Walder as the head coach up there, who is obviously a former fly-half himself, and I know I’ll be able to learn from Dave along with the other guys up there. He’ll make my game better, and I’m really looking forward to the next two years.”
Walder said: “I like Josh’s attacking outlook. He loves to attack and he plays the game with a smile on his face.
“He’s a left-foot kicking option, he challenges the defensive line and he’s a great fit for how we’re looking to play.”
Thomas becomes the Falcons’ third new signing for next season, joining Bath fly-half Tian Schoeman and Doncaster lock Josh Peters.