Newcastle have added Samoa international Taiasina Tu’ifua to their squad.

The Falcons were quick to secure the services of the flanker after a number of clubs expressed their interest in the player.

"I'm absolutely ecstatic that he has decided to sign for us,” said head coach Alan Tait. “We have been holding out to find this sort of player and we have finally got our man.

"He's a big man, a good ball carrier and will give us so many dimensions to our set-up.

“He was a big part of the Samoan team which conquered Australia a fortnight ago and I am delighted that we held out for him.”

The 26-year-old made his Test debut in June against Japan and played his part in Samoa’s infamous 32-23 win over Australia last month in Sydney.