Canada lock Evan Olmstead signs for Falcons

Tuesday 3 May 2016

Newcastle Falcons have added Canada lock Evan Olmstead to their squad for next season.

The 25-year-old stands at 6 foot 5 and has been capped seven times by his country, featuring for Canada in last year’s Rugby World Cup.

Newcastle Falcons director of rugby Dean Richards said: “Evan is a typically hard Canadian player who brings a real no-nonsense edge to his play.

“He will fit in well with the type of game we are trying to implement and we are delighted to have been able to secure his signing.”

Olmstead, who was born in Canada, moved to Australia at the age of three and played Shute Shield rugby for Parramatta Two Blues, as well as Canadian club rugby with the Prairie Wolf Pack in Calgary.

Already acquainted with the English club game, the second-row forward played six games for Greene King IPA Championship side London Scottish this season, having arrived in January.

Delighted to have sealed his move to the Aviva Premiership, Olmstead said: "I am really looking forward to joining the Falcons for pre-season. The move represents an exciting opportunity to play with and against some of the top players in world rugby.

“I will be working hard to ensure that I make a significant contribution to the team as I look to learn as much as possible from the experienced coaching staff at the club in order to take my game to the next level."

Olmstead becomes Newcastle’s seventh confirmed signing for next season, following the arrivals of Vereniki Goneva (Leicester), Sam Egerton (England 7s), Sam Lockwood (Jersey), Joel Hodgson (Yorkshire Carnegie), Harrison Orr (Ealing) and Ben Sowrey (Worcester).

Season ticket memberships for 2016-17 are on sale now by calling 0871 226 6060 or clicking here , with under-11s season tickets free of charge.