NEWCASTLE Falcons confirmed yesterday the arrival of another World Cup-winning Australian to their ranks next season. Where Matt Burke, the former Wallabies full back, has led, he will be followed by Owen Finegan, the burly forward who was a member of Australia’s 1999 World Cup squad and scored a try in the final against France.
Finegan, 32, appeared in 51 internationals and will play out this year’s Super 12 tournament with ACT Brumbies, the holders, before taking up his two-year contract at Kingston Park. “Owen’s decision to join us, despite interest from other top clubs, is an indication of where we are heading as a club,” Rob Andrew, the Newcastle director of rugby, said.
Newcastle are likely to consider Finegan, who holds an Irish passport, primarily at lock rather than in the back row, but they are still seeking a tight-head prop.
Jamie Noon, their England centre, may be rested for the Zurich Premiership game with Leicester at Welford Road on Saturday. Apart from his international exertions, Noon’s wife, Rachel, is expecting their first baby today.
Bath have been forced to write off Andy Beattie for the rest of this season after scans showed a break to the distal tibia, as well as ruptured ligaments, in the leg he damaged playing for England in the A international with France.
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However, Bath have signed Ramiro Pez, the former Italy fly half discarded by Leicester last season, on a short-term contract to cover the absence on representative duty of Olly Barkley and Ryan Davis.
London Wasps signed their second wing in successive days, Joe Mbu from Harlequins. He follows Paul Sackey, who joined from London Irish. Two Wasps forwards, Tim Payne and John Hart, have agreed new contracts of three and four years respectively.