Usa International Joins Falcons

Wednesday 16 April 2014

American international prop Eric Fry has signed for Newcastle Falcons, the club’s sixth signing for the 2014-15 season.

The robust 26-year-old, who has spent two seasons with London Scottish, will join from the capital at the end of the current campaign.

Featuring 18-times in all competitions for Scottish this term, Fry has played a key role in helping The Exiles cement their place in the top six with two games to go.

Standing at 6’3” tall and weighing in at just over 18 stone, the 23-times capped American brings power and aggression to the front-row.

Fry made his international debut against Tonga in the Churchill Cup in 2011, before earning a call-up to the USA squad for the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

The California-born front-rower played a full 80 minutes against Australia in his country’s Pool C encounter, further enhancing his pedigree at the highest level.

Formerly of the University of California, Fry launched his professional career at ITM Cup side the Manawatu Turbos prior to making the switch to Scottish in January 2013.

“I’ve enjoyed my time at Scottish and we’ve had a reasonably successful season this year which is very pleasing,” said Fry.

“Newcastle will be a good challenge for me, and I’ve heard nothing but good things about the area,” he added.

Newcastle director of rugby Dean Richards said: “Eric is a great acquisition for the club and gives us steel in the front-row.

“He’s been a cornerstone of the London Scottish pack over the last two seasons, and his experience at international level will help us.”