2003 Rugby World Cup winners son signs with Newcastle Falcons

The 22-year-old is a former England U20s international and is a product of the Northampton Saints academy. Grayson made five senior appearances for the Saints, whilst also impressing out on loan in the Championship with Bedford Blues.

The son of former England fly-half Paul Grayson, Newcastle Falcons boss Steve Diamond is delighted to have him on board.

The director of rugby said: “Ethan is in between contracts with heading back to America in the new year, so it’s a window of opportunity for us to bring in a good young player for a few months.

“Our senior coach Alan Dickens knows him from their time together at Northampton Saints and England Under-20s, and he can do a job for us.

“We’ve spoken on a number of occasions about running a smaller squad this season, and one thing that does do is give us the ability to act quickly when players become available and we have a spot for them to come in.”

Grayson, who started training with the Falcons on Monday, said: “I’m in between seasons with San Diego and the timing has worked out really well, so I’ll be here until the new year and am looking forward to it.

“We got to the quarter-finals of Major League Rugby which finished in August and starts again in January, and during the interim I’ll be here in Newcastle trying to make a positive contribution.

“I’m buzzing to be back in a Premiership environment, to be working with Alan Dickens again and buying into the vision that Dimes has for the club.”

Asked what he hopes to add to the squad, the versatile back said: “I’d like to think I’m a distributor who can play across 10, 12 and 13, and bring a bit of a kicking game. I can run a short ball to the line as well with that element of physicality, and hopefully I can offer some variety.”

Newcastle Falcons open their Gallagher Premiership season at home to Bristol Bears on Friday.

10. Owen Farrell - £1.46 million ($2 million)
Saracens are making waves in the Premiership, and Owen Farrell, their skipper, is reaping the rewards. The bulk of his net worth, a cool £1.46 million, flows directly from his dedication to Saracens.

9. Maro Itoje - £1.46 million ($2 million)
Teammate to Farrell both at England and Saracens, Maro Itoje is on a trajectory to become one of rugby's highest earners. His salary, comparable to the national skipper's, showcases his potential.

8. Charles Piutau - £1.85 million ($2.5 million)
Former All Blacks player Charles Piutau's move to Bristol Bears came with an eyewatering salary. The club's investment in him during his five seasons speaks volumes about his impact.

7. Handré Pollard - £1.94 million ($2.7 million)
The lone South African in the top ten, Handré Pollard, made his mark when he left the Bulls for Montpellier. Rumored to be earning around R15 million per season at Leicester Tigers, Pollard is a financial force.

6. Beau Ryan - £7.72 million ($10 million)
Transitioning from Rugby League to a TV Presenter, Beau Ryan's career has been highly lucrative. With rumors swirling around a net worth close to R200 million, Ryan's financial success is no joke.

5. Mike Tindall - £9.98 million ($13 million)
A member of the 2003 Rugby World Cup-winning squad, Mike Tindall has had his fair share of off-field challenges. Despite legal troubles, his net worth stands at an impressive £9.98 million.

4. Jonny Wilkinson - £20.9 million ($29 million)
Jonny Wilkinson's iconic Rugby World Cup-winning drop goal in 2003 has translated into substantial wealth. As the second-richest Rugby World Cup winner, Wilkinson's financial success is a testament to his on-field brilliance.

3. Sonny Bill Williams - £21.8 million ($30 million)
A dual-sport star in Union and League, Sonny Bill Williams, made waves in endorsements and earned well during his stint in France. His net worth stands at an impressive £21.8 million.

2. Sir Bill Gammell - £38.8 million ($50 million)
Former Scottish rugby player turned businessman, Sir Bill Gammell, is a knight, philanthropist, and a friend to political leaders. With a net worth exceeding £38.8 million, Gammell is poised for success even beyond the rugby pitch.

1. Simon McDowell - £39.3 million ($54 million)
Refereeing at two Rugby World Cups, Simon McDowell's journey from player to referee has been financially rewarding. His net worth, driven primarily by his chemical company Kilwaughter, exceeds an impressive £39.3 million.

You have five minutes to name every club to have played in the Gallagher Premiership, all 28 of them, since the division was established back in 1987.

It’s more difficult than it sounds.

Good luck, and let us know how you do