Bristol Bears have strengthened their forward pack with the signing of a PREM Rugby stalwart.
RUCK understands that Newcastle Red Bulls prop Adam Brocklebank has joined Bristol, with the move agreed and completed.
Neither club has officially announced the deal, but Brocklebank is understood to be ending his decade-long association with Newcastle to begin a new chapter in the south-west.
The 31-year-old began playing rugby at the age of 16, initially featuring in the back row before switching to prop.
He represented Ormskirk Rugby Club and Myerscough College before joining Newcastle's academy while studying at Durham University.
After representing England Counties U18s and England Students, Brocklebank earned a senior contract in 2017. He had already made his first-team debut during the 2016/17 campaign.
His background in the back row could prove useful at Bristol, particularly in a fast-paced system that demands plenty of work around the field.
Brocklebank offers a strong work rate and engine, alongside the scrummaging ability required to compete at the highest level of the English game.
He featured 23 times for Newcastle last season, starting 14 matches.
Brocklebank has made two substitute appearances in Newcastle's opening four PREM fixtures this season. However, his most recent domestic outing against Exeter Chiefs ended with a yellow card.
His arrival will provide further competition at loosehead, where Ellis Genge remains the leading option.
Andrew Turner and Jake Woolmore are among the alternatives, while Max Lahiff and Lovejoy Chawatama can cover both sides of the scrum.
At 35, Woolmore is approaching the latter stages of his career, making Brocklebank a useful addition at 31, with several more seasons potentially ahead of him.
The prop reached 100 appearances for Newcastle at the start of the 2023/24 season, underlining his importance to the club over the years.
He has also been part of Newcastle's recent transition following the Red Bulls acquisition, remaining a familiar figure as the club enters a new era.
Newcastle extended Brocklebank's contract in January, keeping him at Kingston Park until the summer of 2027.
However, his next move will take him away from Tyneside, with Bristol set to become his new home when that deal expires.
