“I am really looking forward to the challenge and it is great to be here,” Stringer told Falcons TV.

“I have been given a tour around the ground and I am very impressed with the set-up here – I met up with a few of the boys after training and I am looking forward to getting stuck into training in the next couple of days,” added Stringer who moves to Tyneside with a stellar provincial and international career under his belt.

“I have been lucky enough to play for two great teams in the shape of Saracens and Munster in the last few years and I have enjoyed a lot of success.

“Hopefully that experience will help me here at Newcastle. I have spoken to Gary on the phone and I have heard great things about him and his attitude towards the game.

“The directors and coaches at Saracens had nothing but good things to say about Newcastle and I am looking forward to working with Gary [Gold].”

Stringer’s arrival is a timely boost to the Falcons fortunes ahead of the crunch Aviva Premiership clash with Worcester Warriors at Sixways Stadium on Friday March 23.

His accurate passing and telepathic understanding with half-back partner Ronan O’Gara has made Stringer an indispensable member of Irish squads stretching back to 2000.

Gary Gold is delighted with the capture of Stringer.

“I am delighted that a player of Peter’s quality and experience has decided to play his rugby in the North East,” he said.

“I am humbled by the fact that he has joined us and it just goes to show the type of individual that Peter is.

“The signing of Peter further underlines the club’s ambitions.”