Newcastle Falcons boss Alan Tait has moved to strengthen his squad with the signing of Will Chudley © Getty Images

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Teams: Bedford Blues | Newcastle Falcons

Newcastle Falcons have announced the signing of Will Chudley from the Bedford Blues.

The 23-year-old scrum-half scored five tries in 18 appearances in this season's Championship and really caught Falcons boss Alan Tait's eye during the play-off semi-final defeat by Worcester.

"I thought he was man of the match," he said of Chudley. "If there was ever a game to make my mind up, then that was it. He's quick, he's got a great service and I think he's a blend of our other two scrum-halves, Chris Pilgrim and Jordi Pasqualin.

"He's someone that came on the radar a month or so ago because I've been looking at young nines to come on board. I was thinking of getting an experienced guy in but as I said to Jordi Pasqualin and the other guys coming in, I will give these lads a real good crack at Premiership rugby.

"Will doesn't want to come here to play second fiddle. I told him I would give him a fair crack of the whip and I've stuck to my word."

Chudley, meanwhile, admitted that he was sad to be leaving Bedford but is now looking forward to playing top-flight rugby next season with the Falcons.

"It's fantastic to join Newcastle at such an exciting time and after visiting the facilities and meeting Alan Tait this was an opportunity I could not turn down.

"I really enjoyed my time at Bedford and I would like to thank Mike Rayer, Nick Walshe and all the coaches for their help and support during my development. I am excited about the prospects at Newcastle and looking forward to a great season in the Premiership."