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London - Newcastle have signed French prop Sami Mavinga from Top 14 side Lyon in time for next season, the English Premiership club announced Thursday.
Also arriving at the northeast club is Jersey flanker Gary Graham, the son of former Newcastle prop George.
Mavinga impressed Falcons boss Dean Richards while playing for Lyon against Newcastle in the European Challenge Cup earlier this season.
"That put him on our radar, and from there it has been a case of watching more of him in action and getting a fuller picture of what Sami can offer," said Richards in a club statement.
"He certainly carries well, he is a big strong boy and brings a lot of aggression to the role," the former England No 8 added.
"We look forward to working with him over the summer and incorporating him into what is already a good group of front-row forwards for the coming campaign."
Mavinga and Graham's imminent arrival at Kingston Park means the club have now signed seven players for next season, including France centre Maxime Mermoz and Canada wing DTH Van der Merwe.
