MIKE BLAIR, the former Scotland captain, is poised to kick-start his long-standing rivalry with Rory Lawson after being signed up by Newcastle Falcons.

The British & Irish Lions scrum-half is switching to Kingston Park after failing to be offered an extended deal with cash-strapped French club Brive.

He was first in competition with Lawson when they were together at Edinburgh in the early stages of their respective careers. They also had joint spells in the Scotland set-up and will now try to restore Falcons to the top flight of English rugby.

Blair, who quit the Test stage last year, said: "There has always been a strong Scottish influence at Newcastle and I am delighted to continue in that tradition.

"Falcons have ambitions to challenge in the Aviva Premiership, and although there are still the play-offs to be played, they are in a good position to be promoted and to achieve this goal.

"I am really enjoying my time in France, but I feel that playing with Newcastle will provide me with a rugby challenge that I have been looking for."

Falcons director Dean Richards said: "Mike is a fantastic acquisition for the club and he will add considerable experience from his time in the Scotland set-up."

Doddie Weir, Gary Armstrong, Alan Tait and Stuart Grimes are among the Scots who have played for Newcastle in recent times.

Blair will also rekindle his links with his old Edinburgh team-mate Ally Hogg.