Glasgow centre Alex Dunbar has joined Newcastle Falcons on loan until the end of the season.

The Scotland international has racked up 119 appearances over his nine-year stint with Warriors but has struggled with injury over the past two seasons.

Now Dunbar – who has only played eight times for Dave Rennie's side this term – has decided to move south to the English Premiership side in search of more regular game time as he looks to fight his way back into Gregor Townsend's national team.

Dunbar was a late call-up to the Scots' Guinness Six Nations squad but has been stood down from duty ahead of this Saturday's Championship opener with Italy.

Dunbar is out of contract in the summer but the terms of his loan switch mean Glasgow can recall the 28-year-old at any time.

Rennie said: "Alex is a good man and has given everything to the club on and off the pitch for the best part of a decade.

"We have a lot of competition at centre and this is a good opportunity for him to go and play more regularly and test himself in a different competition.

"We wish him and Lois all the best in Newcastle."