LONDON - Newcastle on Tuesday announced the signing of Tongan international prop Taione Vea from English Premiership rivals London Welsh on a two-year contract.
Tonga's Taione Vea (centre) is tackled by Japanese players during their IRB Pacific Nations Cup 2013 rugby union match in Yokohama on May 25, 2013
The Auckland-born 26-year-old, who has also played for Wasps, has won six international caps and will join Newcastle in time for the 2015-16 campaign.
"I've spoken with (director of rugby) Dean (Richards) about his plans for Newcastle Falcons and his vision on where the club is going, and it sounds like something I want to be involved with," Vea told the Newcastle website.
"I'm still learning a lot and want to get more Premiership experience, so I'm looking forward to doing that at Newcastle Falcons."
Richards added: "We're pleased to be able to add Taione to the squad for the next season. He's a quality prop who is a great scrummager and equally strong on the loose work too.
"As a Tongan international, he brings a powerful and skilled head to our front row, although he's also a very humble guy who I know will fit in well with our squad."