1
Newcastle Falcons sign prop who slipped from Ireland's grasp
By Online Editors
USA international Paul Mullen has joined Newcastle Falcons for the first four months of the Gallagher Premiership season as the club bolsters its propping stocks.
Born and raised in Ireland, the 26-year-old was part of Munster's Under-20's squad before relocating to the USA to further his studies.
Earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Marine Engineering Technology and a Masters in Marine Resources Management in Texas, Mullen represented USA Under-20s in the Junior World Trophy back in 2011.
Making his full international debut this summer, the 122kg prop started in the USA's victories over Canada, Scotland and Russia, and has been playing his club rugby for Major League side Houston SaberCats.
Speaking after completing his move to Kingston Park, Mullen said: "I am delighted to be joining Newcastle and am looking forward to developing my game further alongside a great squad."
Falcons director of rugby Dean Richards said: "Paul has broken through to the full international scene in quite a big way over the past few months, and been part of a rapidly-improving American Eagles side.
"His presence will further bolster our front-row resources going into the new Gallagher Premiership season as we look to improve yet again on what was our best league finish for 20 years."
Mullen’s arrival comes on the back of the previously-announced signings of George McGuigan (Leicester Tigers), Pedro Bettencourt (Carcassonne), Logovi’i Mulipola (Leicester Tigers), Guy Graham (Hawick), Tom Arscott (Rouen), Connor Collett (North Harbour), Nemani Nagusa (Aurillac) and Johnny Williams (London Irish), as well as senior academy promotions for England Under-18s stars Cameron Nordli-Kelemeti, Morgan Passman, Will Montgomery, Tom Marshall, Josh Hodge and Rob Farrar.
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Rassie Erasmus explains so-called Willie Le Roux selection snub
3
Gregor Townsend breaks silence on his Scotland future
4
Fissler Confidential: Paddy Jackson Premiership bound?
5
Latest Comments
Firstly England were terrific for 82 minutes and deserve the plaudits.
Borthwick, though, must be the luckiest coach around .
Had a broken arm not occured Marcus would still be no 10 , had Russell put the kick over and France not dropped the ball , had Lawrence not been injured the scenario would be very different .
England beat the worst team in the northern hemisphere , let’s not get carried away .
The forwards scored 6 of the 10 tries and Mitchell’s was somewhat flukish .
The speed and power of play was the difference and the forwards were unrecognisable from previous games.
Had Marcus had such a ride in his games he too would have been praised for his play .
Ford came on against a poor and beaten team with the score 40 up . Easy peasy. Short memories fail to remember against Nz and Aus , top teams, he lost both games.
The changes were forced on Borthwick , not by natural selection and they have been all for the better.
Let's trust this is the start of bigger things and the excellent squad Borthwick has kick on . No pun intended.
Go to commentsI still think Englands 6 nations was a curates egg, both good and bad in parts, and it’s still far to early to declare that Borthwick and Co have now created a team to take on all comers.
This England sides win ratio against sides ranked above them is still pitifull.
The Autumn will tell us much more.
Go to comments