Newcastle Falcons have signed centre Tom Bedford from Championship outfit Bedford Blues untill the end of the Aviva Premiership Rugby season.

Bedford could even be in line to start Saturday’s crucial Aviva Premiership match against Exeter Chiefs at Kingston Park.

Bedford, who has represented England at under-16, under-17 and under-19s level has played 17 times for the Blues this term scoring two tries in the process.

Exeter born and bred the talented three-quarter came through the ranks of his hometown club before making the move to the Blues.

Speaking after his first day in training, Bedford said: "I am pleased to get the chance to play in the Aviva Premiership and I am looking forward to the challenge. "I enjoyed training – it can be difficult to integrate with new teammates but it was fun."

The Falcons used Newcastle United’s training centre Darsley Park today in a bid to beat the adverse weather conditions. Bedford was involved in the team run and the former Exeter man admits he has a point to prove to his old club this weekend if selected.

He said: "I joined Exeter when I was 16 and I had some good times down there. It will be nice to face my old club and show my skills. "My family and girlfriend are coming up for the game and hopefully I can put in a good performance for the team."

Bedford joins up with former Blues old boys Luke Fielden and Will Chudley with the latter helping him to settle in to his new surroundings.

"Will has been great in helping me settle in and he has been showing me the sights in Newcastle," said Bedford who spent four seasons at Exeter.

"I am staying with him so that will help me in the early stages," he added.

Head coach Alan Tait said: "He is a young English player who is keen as mustard to get back into full professional rugby and I am sure he will give it his best shot.

"He is here until the end of the season and he will get three or four months to prove himself and hopefully I can offer him a deal."

Revealing that Bedford could be set to start this weekend’s showdown with the Chiefs, Tait added: "It has been a baptism of fire for Tom but he certainly didn’t look out of place and I was really pleased with the way he looked after training.

"He just wants a crack at Aviva Premiership rugby – he is a nice lad and knows young Will Chudley from their time at Bedford which will help him."