Gloucester's Alex Hearle to reunite with Steve Diamond at Newcastle

Newcastle Falcons have confirmed the signing of versatile Gloucester back Alex Hearle on a two-year deal ahead of next season, as broken by RugbyPass.

The 25-year-old will team up in the north east with his former Worcester Warriors boss Steve Diamond, who is working as consultant director of rugby at Newcastle.

The wing/centre, who moved to Kingsholm in 2022 shortly after the demise of Worcester Warriors, has made 17 appearances for the Cherry and Whites, starting on the wing in Gloucester's Premiership Rugby Cup semi-final win over Exeter Chiefs last Saturday.

“I can’t wait to play under Steve again," Hearle said in a Newcastle statement after his move was confirmed. “I had a great experience with him at Worcester before the unfortunate end to that period, and I love the type of environment he creates.

“I’m really looking forward to coming up to Newcastle in the summer, and I have played there on quite a few occasions. Every time I have been there I can’t believe how passionate the fans are, and it will be nice to have them on my side for once.

“The way the club is heading at the moment, I feel like there is a lot of excitement around it and I can’t wait to get involved.

"I know people who have played there in recent years and they have told me some great things about the club and the city. I’m just looking forward to the whole thing when the time comes, and I’m determined to make a positive contribution.”

Diamond added: “Alex is a really good addition to our squad and I’m looking forward to working with him again after our time together at Worcester. He is an outstanding team man, he plays a couple of positions and he does the basics really well.

"He has been playing to a good standard at Gloucester and I know he will fit in here at Newcastle as we look to take the squad forward.”