Newcastle have bolstered their fight against relegation from the Zurich Premiership with two more southern hemisphere recruits.

The Falcons have signed South African flanker Warren Britz from the Natal Sharks and former All Blacks centre Mark Mayerhofler from the Auckland Blues.

Britz, a 29-year-old openside capped once against Wales earlier this season, will arrive at the end of the month on a two-and-a-half year deal.

Warren is typically South African - very big and very athletic Rob Andrew

Mayerhofler, 30, played six Tests for the All Blacks in 1998 after a successful spell with the Canterbury Crusaders and has also played for the New Zealand Maori.

He will join the Falcons at the end of the week and is contracted until the end of the season.

Newcastle also recently signed veteran Springboks lock Mark Andrews, who arrives in January, and Auckland hooker James Christian.

Director of rugby Rob Andrew also expects to sign two more players before Christmas, but is delighted with his two most recent recruits.

"Warren is typically South African - very big and very athletic," he said. "He is a good friend of Mark Andrews and he (Mark) rates him very highly."

"Mark is a very talented footballer," Andrew added. "He has played for the All Blacks and has plenty of playing experience."