'I like Josh's attacking outlook': Newcastle sign Ospreys' Thomas

Ospreys fly-half Josh Thomas has signed for Newcastle Falcons, joining the Gallagher Premiership club this summer on a two-year deal. The 21-year-old is an ex-Wales U20s international who has made 23 senior appearances for Ospreys, one of which saw him scoring the winning try away to Leinster.

Able to play at full-back as well as fly-half, Thomas said: “Moving to Newcastle is an exciting opportunity which I couldn’t really turn down. I have wanted to play in the Premiership – it’s a new competition for me and a challenge that I’m looking forward to.

“There are loads of positive aspects to playing in the Premiership, and I want to go up to Newcastle, really compete and test myself. I like to take the ball to the line and challenge defences, have a crack and put players into space.

“I have played fly-half and full-back, but I have played more at fly-half. I’d like to think I have an eye for a gap, so when it’s on, it’s on. I like to have a go, and that’s pretty much my approach to it.

“I have watched some of Newcastle’s games and it’s exciting to be joining them. They like to attack, they want to play at pace and I just want to learn in that environment.

"I have spoken to Dave Walder as the head coach up there, who is obviously a former fly-half himself, and I know I’ll be able to learn from Dave along with the other guys up there. He will make my game better, and I’m really looking forward to the next two years.”

Walder added: “I like Josh’s attacking outlook, he loves to attack and he plays the game with a smile on his face. He is a left-foot kicking option, he challenges the defensive line and he is a great fit for how we are looking to play.”

Thomas becomes the third new Newcastle signing for next season, joining Bath fly-half Tian Schoeman and Doncaster lock Josh Peters.