Falcons swoop for Wallabies star
Australian forward Owen Finegan has agreed a two-year deal with the Newcastle Falcons.
The 32-year-old, who currently plays for ACT Brumbies, has been capped by the Wallabies 51 times, including the 1999 Rugby World Cup final against France where he played alongside current Falcon Matt Burke and scored a second-half try to guide the Australians to victory.
Finegan is an imposing figure who has also played at blindside flanker and lock and has been instrumental in the Brumbies’ success, which saw them lift the Super 12 title for a second time last season.
He has been with the side since its inception, and his upcoming 10th Super 12 season will be his last before he arrives at Kingston Park for the 2004/5 campaign.
Finegan said: “The Zurich Premiership is a tough and challenging competition, and to have the opportunity to join a quality team with aspirations of winning it in the future is very appealing.”
Falcons director of rugby, Rob Andrew, said: “Owen is a world class player, and his decision to join us despite interest from other top sides is an indication of where we are heading as a club.”
