Former Munster prop signs for Newcastle

Newcastle have bolstered their front-row options by signing prop Tim Ryan from Toulon on a one-year deal.

The 26-year-old tight-head will fill the void created by the departure of former All Black Carl Hayman, who has moved in the opposite direction.

Ryan played a part in all but one of Toulon’s Amlin Challenge Cup games on their run to last season’s final, and also helped them to a second-place finish in the French Top 14.

Ryan had previously come through the ranks at Munster, playing in their narrow defeat against New Zealand at Thomond Park in 2008.

He becomes the 10th signing of the summer for the Falcons and head coach Alan Tait hopes the Irishman can have a big impact.

“It’s been a hell of a task trying to find a tight head of the quality that will help take this team on, but I’m more than satisfied that I’ve got my man,” said Tait.

“The board at the club had backed me to the hilt in going after a big international name for this key position, but I’ve done the research, spoken to countless people and come out with the firm conclusion that Tim Ryan has the power and ambition to really make a mark in the Falcons’ front row.

“I’ll say from the outset that Tim is coming here as our number one tight-head, and that is important because I know that getting game time has been a massive motivation for him in securing this move.

“He still had a year left on his deal in Toulon and could well have just stuck it out there, but the fact that he has taken the decision to join us tells me a lot about his ambition and his desire to be a success at the top level.”