Fearns could soon become a Falcon

NEWCASTLE Falcons are keen to build on their fantastic start to the new season by adding former England Saxons back row Carl Fearns to their squad.

Fearns, 31, has spent the last five years playing in France for Lyon and since last summer in ProD2 for Rouen, who are coached by former England World Cup finalist Richard Hill.

The ex-Sale Sharks and Bath man was keen to return to the Premiership in the summer, but the coronavirus crisis derailed his plans, and he moved to Rouen instead.

Rouen have endured a tough start to the season and are 13th in the 16-team table after winning two of their last three games.

Dean Richards, who has worked a miracle on a shoestring budget, is believed to be speaking to Fearns about linking up with the Falcons in the New Year.