Big Saffa lock De Chaves returns to Newcastle after MLR stint

Giant South African lock Sebastian de Chaves will return for a second stint at Newcastle Falcons, with the well travelled lock signing a two-year deal to return to Tyneside.

The 31-year-old was a member of the Falcons’ championship-winning club in 2019-20, making 15 appearances in a season cut short because to the pandemic.

De Chaves, a six foot seven, 120kg former Mont de Marsan and Leicester Tigers player, has spent two seasons with London Irish and a brief stay with Wasps this season. He is presently playing with Austin Gilgronis in the United States.

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With ten wins from 13 games, Austin leads Major League Rugby, with the Texas-based franchise hoping to win the competition’s final on June 25-26.

“My time in America has been very enjoyable with a very different culture and sporting country. I have loved my time here and met some amazing people.

“My small stint at Wasps this season was very enjoyable – a great club with great players and staff – and it was an awesome feeling to be back in the Premiership.

“I’m very much looking forward to being back there with Newcastle as it’s one of the best and most competitive leagues in the world, so I’m really looking forward to the challenge.”

“My first spell at Newcastle was very enjoyable,” added De Chaves. “They’re a great club with some great people and players, and to have won the Championship there was amazing to be a part of.

“I would like to think I bring some experience and set-piece expertise, but I also just want to help the squad in any way I can to help the team perform, and be a great team-mate on and off the field.”

De Chaves becomes the Falcons’ fourth signing for next season, following the previously-announced arrivals of Ospreys fly-half Josh Thomas, Doncaster lock Josh Peters and Bath fly-half Tian Schoeman.