Newcastle Falcons sign three for next season

Scott Lawson

Championship promotion favourites Newcastle Falcons have made three signings for the 2013-14 season.

Front rower Scott Lawson and stand-off Phil Godman, both Scotland internationals, join from London Irish and London Scottish respectively.

And second row Fraser McKenzie moves to Kingston Park from Sale Sharks.

Falcons boss Dean Richards said: "We have recruited three top quality players as we continue to build a strong squad for next season."

Newcastle are strong favourites to make an immediate return to the Premiership after being relegated last season.

Lawson, 31, has 36 Scotland caps and has made more than 100 appearances in English rugby's top-flight, having played for Sale and Gloucester before switching to London Irish in the summer of 2012.

He made his international debut against Romania in 2005 and went on to feature in Scotland's 2007 and 2011 Rugby World Cup campaigns before his last test outing against Tonga in November last year.

Lawson said: "Dean [Richards] explained the club's vision to me before I signed, and looking at the coaching set-up which includes Graham Steadman, who I know from my days in the Scotland fold, I cannot wait to get started."

Phil Godman

Godman, 30, has played 23 times for Scotland and is rejoining the Falcons for a second spell.

After beginning his professional career with the club, when he understudied Jonny Wilkinson, he spent eight years with Edinburgh before joining London Scottish at the start of this season.

McKenzie, 25, has made 42 appearances for Sale after joining the Sharks from Edinburgh. He has represented Scotland at Under-19, Under-20 and 'A' level, skippering his country at the U19 World Championships.

Injury during denied him the chance to make his full Scotland debut during the Six Nations championship after he was named in Andy Robinson's initial squad.

He said: "Dean's reputation speaks for itself, and the fact that he and John Wells are at the club is a big pull for me as I feel they can make me a better player."