Newcastle Falcons have confirmed that London Welsh prop Taione Vea will join the club in the summer on a two-year deal.
The 26-year-old becomes the Falcons' fifth new signing ahead of the 2015-16 campaign.
Vea, who moved to London Welsh from Wasps last year, has won a total of six caps for the Tonga national team.
"We're pleased to be able to add Taione to the squad for the next season," director of rugby Dean Richards is quoted as saying by Sky Sports News. "He's a quality prop who is a great scrummager and equally strong on the loose work too.
"As a Tongan international he brings a powerful and skilled head to our front row, although he's also a very humble guy who I know will fit in well with our squad."
Newcastle are currently in 11th place in the Aviva Premiership table.
