Newcastle Falcons have announced the signing of flanker Tom Gordon from newly-crowned URC champions, Glasgow Warriors. The 27-year-old arrives on a two-year deal having made 76 appearances during his six seasons with the Warriors, which includes a start at his new home of Kingston Park in the 2022 EPCR Challenge Cup.
Born in New Zealand, Gordon qualified for Scotland through his grandparents. The lock headed to Edinburgh on a gap year at the age of 17 and never went back. Winning the Scottish Premiership title with Currie and earning Scotland caps at Under-18s and 20s levels, he spent time in Edinburgh’s academy before turning pro with Glasgow in the summer of 2018.
Newcastle Falcons’ consultant director of rugby Steve Diamond said: “It’s really important that we get some knowledge into the team.
“Tom’s a hard-nosed Kiwi who has had a good level of experience with Glasgow. He’s great on the deck, he’s a fantastic character and he’s someone who will play a lot of rugby for us.”
Delighted by the chance to move to Newcastle and keen to seize the opportunity with both hands, Gordon said: “I’m looking forward to it.
“I’ve had a great time with Glasgow and enjoyed being part of a successful squad this season, but it’s a good change and a big opportunity going to Newcastle.
“It’s a new city for me, a new team and a new competition, so it’s a real fresh start.
“I’ve already got a few mates down there who I know from my time in Scotland with the likes of Cammy Hutchison, Kiran McDonald, Murray McCallum and Cam Neild. They’re all good lads and I hear good things about the place, so I’m excited to rip in.”
Making 10 appearances for Glasgow this season as they stormed to the URC title, Gordon said: “I’ve had six good years there which I’ve really enjoyed, but it’s time for a new adventure.
“All I’ve heard from people is that Newcastle is a great city full of very friendly people, and I’m looking forward to getting involved with the Falcons as a club.
“I’ll look to bring a bit of dog to the back row and just contribute where I can, but I’m really positive about this move and can’t wait to get started.”
Gordon becomes the Falcons’ tenth new signing for next season following the previously-announced arrivals of Edinburgh prop Luan de Bruin, Gloucester wing/centre Alex Hearle, Sale Sharks centre Connor Doherty, Leicester Tigers fly-half Kieran Wilkinson, Sale Sharks flanker Cameron Neild, Doncaster Knights back Jack Metcalf and England Students trio Max Pepper, Callum Hancock and Connor Hancock.
Five talented local players also step up to the senior academy with the signings of centre Rhys Beeckmans, scrum-half Joe Davis, fly-half Junior Newton, back-rower Reuben Parsons and fellow back-rower Charlie Turnbull.
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