Newcastle Falcons have signed Leicester Tigers hooker Rob Hawkins on a two-year deal.

The 31-year-old, who joined the Tigers from Bath in 2010, will move to Kingston Park at the end of the season.

"I'm really excited about my move up to Newcastle and it is a fresh challenge I am looking forward to," Hawkins told the club's official website.

"I've spoken to Dean Richards and I was very impressed with his plans for the club - his record in the game speaks for itself.

"Hopefully I can finish the season on a high with Leicester and help the club lift the Aviva Premiership for the second year in a row."

Leicester continue their Aviva Premiership campaign on Friday when they make the trip to Harlequins.