Newcastle Falcons have announced the signing of London Irish lock Sebastian de Chaves on a one-year deal.
The English-qualified 28-year-old has spent the past three seasons with London Irish, during which time he has helped them to two Greene King IPA Championship titles.
Born in Johannesburg and playing for South Africa Under-20s, the 6 foot 7, 120kg forward began his professional career with the Golden Lions before spending a season with French club Mont de Marsan.
Moving to Leicester Tigers in 2013, De Chaves spent three seasons with the Welford Road outfit before heading to London Irish, winning Players’ Player of the Season in his first year at the Madejski Stadium.
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Falcons director of rugby Dean Richards said: “Sebastian gives us a big physical presence in the second row and is a welcome addition to our squad.
“He was a Championship title winner last season, he has plenty of experience of English rugby and he joins us in the week that our pre-season preparations got underway.”