Adam Balding won the Heineken Cup with Leicester

Newcastle Falcons have signed England Saxons back rower Adam Balding from Premiership rivals Gloucester on a two-year deal.

Balding, 28, was a Premiership and Heineken Cup winner with Leicester and Bates believes his experience and ability will impress the Falcons fans.

"Adam is a player I have admired for some time," said Bates.

"I am sure his abrasive style of play and ball-carrying ability will prove popular with our supporters."

Since arriving at Kingsholm in 2004 Balding has been Gloucester captain, making 60 appearances for the club.

He also enjoyed a loan spell with Leeds Carnegie during the 2007/08 season.