Nathan Earle has left Newcastle with immediate effect

One-time England prospect Nathan Earle has left Newcastle after agreeing to a Championship club deal with Ealing that will see him return to London with immediate effect. The former Harlequins and Saracens winger had joined the Falcons ahead of the 2021/22 season when Dean Richards was still in charge, but he has now decided to step down into the English second-tier with the Trailfinders ramping up their title bid.

A statement read: “Ealing Trailfinders are excited to confirm the signing of winger Nathan Earle, who has joined the club with immediate effect. The Hong Kong-born speedster arrives in London following two seasons with Newcastle Falcons, where he scored five tries in 17 appearances.

“Prior to his move to Newcastle, the 28-year-old won Premiership titles with Saracens and Harlequins, scoring for Sarries in their 27-10 win over Exeter Chiefs in 2017, and was part of the Quins squad which went on to win the 2021 final.

“Crossing for 23 tries in 53 Premiership appearances prior to joining Newcastle, the lethal winger scored on his England debut in a non-cap fixture against the Barbarians in 2017 before achieving a call-up to England’s tour of Argentina later that year. An England U18 and U20 representative, Nathan also won New Zealand’s NPC, scoring for Canterbury in their 2016 final victory over Tasman.”

Earle said: “I’m hugely excited about the challenge ahead and looking forward to contributing to this group and working together to achieve our objectives this season. It’s a club with a massive amount of ambition and as a player, there is nothing more motivating than being in an environment that wants to win every game and are determined to progress to the very top of English rugby.”

Ealing boss Ben Ward added: “We are delighted to have Nathan joining the club as we progress into the second half of the season. He is a quality individual with enormous talent and experience and we’re confident he will make an immediate impact at our club.”

In a separate statement, Newcastle boss Dave Walder said about Earle: “I would like to thank Nathan for his contribution during his time with us, and wish him and his family the very best for their return to London. We are fortunate to be blessed with a wealth of talent on the wing with fierce competition for places, and I have enjoyed working with Nathan during his time with us.”