Gloucester sign Newcastle hooker George McGuigan

Gloucester have signed Newcastle hooker and England training squad member George McGuigan.

The west country club said that McGuigan had agreed a long-term deal at Kingsholm and will link up with their squad on Tuesday.

McGuigan, 29, was selected in England training squads this summer and before the Autumn Nations Series, although he remains uncapped.

He will provide immediate cover for England international Jack Singleton, who suffered a serious leg injury during Gloucester’s Gallagher Premiership victory over Northampton earlier this month.

Gloucester head coach George Skivington said: “It is a huge coup for the club that we’ve been able to secure someone of George’s talent.

“While he will provide extra cover in the absence of Jack, he is with us for the long term and I am excited to see the role he can play in helping the club reach its ambitions this season and beyond.”

McGuigan made 165 appearances during two spells with Newcastle, and Falcons rugby committee chairman Matt Thompson added: “Naturally, we are sad to see George go. He has been a huge part of our club and an undeniable asset for years.

“Contract negotiations are always tough, and competition for a player of George’s talent is always high.

“We were keen to see him stay with us, but unfortunately we couldn’t meet his expectations.

“It is a shame, but it is also a decision that is George’s to make, and we wish him all the best.”