Newcastle Falcons have signed hooker Ben Sowrey from Worcester Warriors for next season.
Leeds-born Sowrey, who turns 25 next week, has been with the Warriors since the summer of 2014 when he joined them from Rotherham Titans.
He has made three Aviva Premiership appearances this season and a further five in the European Challenge Cup, but is looking forward to returning north.
Sowrey said: "Newcastle is a major northern club, and that is important to me. They represent the north in the Aviva Premiership, that is a big draw and I like what the club stands for.
"I am after an opportunity, Newcastle is a club which is set up to go places and I just want to be a part of that. It is a huge opportunity."
Falcons director of rugby Dean Richards said: "Ben is a quality player and we look forward to his arrival for pre-season.
"He is a strong scrummager, a good line-out technician, very skilful and our sort of all-round player."