Experienced prop Tom West signs for a fifth PREM club as 9 players exit

Newcastle Red Bulls have announced the signing of experienced prop Tom West, who Northampton have confirmed is one of nine players leaving the club this summer.

The 30-year-old loose-head joins in the summer on a one-year deal, having made 34 appearances during his two seasons with the Saints.

A product of Wasps’ academy, West played 78 times for the club before spells at Leicester Tigers and Saracens.

Newcastle Red Bulls sporting general manager Neil McIlroy said: “Tom brings vast Gallagher PREM experience and will really bolster our front-row firepower when he arrives in the summer.

“He is a proven performer at this level and will be a valuable part of our pack as we look to move this club forward.”

Relishing the prospect of making the move, West said: “I’m excited to be joining Newcastle Red Bulls for the coming season.

“It’s a place that I’ve always loved coming to play, with a storied history.

“Having spoken to their incoming head coach Dan McFarland I’m excited by the prospect of working with him, and am looking forward to seeing what we as a squad can achieve next season.”

As well as West, this season will be the last at Saints for Fyn Brown, Will Glister, Emeka Atuanya, Billy Pasco, Marco Manfredi, Archie Appleby, Jack Lawrence and Siep Walt.