Newcastle Falcons have signed scrum-half James Grindal from Leicester.

The 21-year-old Nuneaton-born player has opted for a move to Kingston Park after falling below Jamie Hamilton and Harry Ellis in the Welford Road pecking order this season.

Grindal has been restricted to just a handful of appearances for the Tigers this term.

But Newcastle are keen to replace veteran Scottish international Gary Armstrong, who was among a number of players to leave the club during the summer.

"We wanted somebody who was going to provide Hall Charlton with genuine competition for a starting place," said Falcons assistant coach Steve Bates.

"It is not a case of either player being the automatic first choice. We believe they are both good enough."