Murray made 61 appearances for Northampton during a three-year stay

Newcastle Falcons have signed Scotland prop Euan Murray on a two-and-a-half-year contract.

The 30-year-old had been without a club since being released by Northampton, partly because he refused to play on Sundays due to religious beliefs.

Falcons boss Tait said: "Our preferred time to play is Friday night.

"While some games do get moved for television, we'll have Euan available for more games than we would most current international players."

Murray arrived at Franklin's Gardens in 2007 and featured in the Saints' European Challenge Cup final victory in 2009, but has found opportunities this season limited following the arrival of Brian Mujati from South Africa.

606: DEBATE Good player but not that big a loss - all the best for his future, I'm sure he's still got lots to offer to Scotland Jacob Mace

He said: "I'm delighted with my move to Newcastle, I can't wait to get stuck in and I'm really looking forward to pulling on the jersey.

"The move up to Newcastle was the best option for me and my family."

The tight-head, who attracted interest from Bath and Scarlets since his release from Northampton last week, played in all of Scotland's autumn international matches in 2010 and toured South Africa in 2009 with the British and Irish Lions.

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