Newcastle have announced the signing of Tonga international prop Taione Vea from London Welsh . The Auckland-born 26-year-old , who has won six caps for Tonga , will join the Falcons on a two-year deal in time for the 2015-16 season . Newcastle director of rugby Dean Richards said of the former Wasps and North Harbour front-rower : 'We 're pleased to be able to add Taione to the squad for the next season . He 's a quality prop who is a great scrummager and equally strong on the loose work too . Taione Vea ( centre ) has signed for Newcastle Falcons on a two-year deal from current club London Welsh . Vea breaks through a challenge for London Welsh against Northampton Saints last year . 'As a Tongan international he brings a powerful and skilled head to our front row , although he 's also a very humble guy who I know will fit in well with our squad . ' The 6ft2in 20-stone Vea , who joined London Welsh from Wasps last summer , said : ' I 've spoken with Dean about his plans for Newcastle Falcons and his vision on where the club is going and it sounds like something I want to be involved with . ' I 'm still learning a lot and want to get more Premiership experience so I 'm looking forward to doing that at Newcastle Falcons . ' Vea has six caps for Tonga and previously played for Wasps before moving to join London Welsh last summer .
Newcastle have signed Tonga prop Taione Vea from London Welsh . Falcons tie 26-year-old down to a two-year deal in time for 2015-16 season . Director of rugby Dean Richards praises prop as a 'great scrummager '