London Scottish prop Eric Fry has agreed to join Newcastle Falcons at the end of the season, the USA Eagles star having signed a two- year contract with the Aviva Premiership outfit.
Fry joined London Scottish in January 2013 from the Manawatu Turbos, who play in New Zealand's ITM Cup.
He quickly established himself as a key member of the Scottish forward pack and his consistent performances in the Greene King IPA Championship has now seen him rewarded with a Premiership deal.
Capped 23 times by his country, Eric’s try for the Eagles against Uruguay last month in a World Cup qualifier sparked a stunning comeback which sealed their place at next year’s tournament.
“I have loved my time at London Scottish and it will be bittersweet at the end of the season when I leave,” the 26-year-old said this week.
“It has been great under both Simon Amor and James Buckland and I feel I have grown a lot as a player.
“It should be every athletes aim to try and better themselves and I am really looking forward to playing in the Premiership against some top players. It will be a great challenge.
“I have used all the experience gained here at London Scottish to make the step up and I’m really grateful for the opportunity given to me by the Club who gave me my first professional contract in England.”
He continued: “The win over London Welsh before Christmas was my highlight here and James Buckland has done a great job this season.
“I can only see London Scottish getting better and better next year.”
London Scottish Head Coach James Buckland said: “Eric has got recognition and it is fantastic for him that he will be playing in the Premiership.
“When we brought Eric over last year we needed a tight-head and we always knew he had the potential to play loose-head and he’s done that.
“Dean Richards has got an eye for players and Eric clearly ticks a lot of boxes for Newcastle Falcons.
“He is a good athlete and a fully committed professional.
“London Scottish supports players moving to a higher level and we wish Eric all the best.”
