Newcastle sign 6'8 Spanish international from Doncaster

Newcastle Falcons have confirmed the signing of Spanish international Josh Peters from Doncaster Knights.

A former Northampton Saints player, the 6'8, 117kg secondrow has won 10 caps for Spain to date.

“Josh is a talented player who has gone well for Doncaster this season, and been a big part of their strong title push," said Newcastle Falcons director of rugby Dean Richards. “He brings obvious size and physicality, and deserves this opportunity to show what he can do at a higher level.”

The London born Peters moved to Marbella with his family as an infant and would later go on to take up the sport in his teens.

“It’s a great opportunity to go up a level and challenge myself in a Premiership environment,” said the second-rower, who played 18 times for Doncaster this season. “It’s exciting to be making the move, and through hard work and learning I’ll look to push for a place.

“Outside of the rugby Newcastle is a great city which I’ve visited a number of times, including playing up there in pre-season last summer, and hopefully good things will come from the move.

“I’m already good mates with Newcastle’s prop Conrad Cade from his time on loan at Doncaster, and I was also in Northampton Saints’ academy with George Wacokecoke, who is a really good lad.”

“I grew up in Spain and played out there until I was 16, when I got a scholarship to go to Oundle School and linked up with Northampton Saints’ academy.

“From there I got involved with England Under-18s and 19s, with set-piece and physicality being the main areas of strength in my game.”

Playing on dual-registration for Coventry during his time with Northampton Saints, Peters explained: “When I started playing for the Spanish national team I moved down to Blackheath.

“I’d always wanted to play international rugby so I was keen to take up the Spanish option, and from there I went to France for a year. I played for Dijon, which was good fun, although it coincided with the pandemic, which made things a bit difficult.

“I ended up doing a teaching qualification and signing for Doncaster, but it’s great now to have the opportunity up at Newcastle.”