Glasgow Warriors have announced a second signing in two days with confirmation  that Newcastle Falcons lock Tim Swinson is to join the Scotstoun-based club next season.

Swinson, 25, is one of the most highly rated and consistent locks in the English Premiership, where he has racked up 82 appearances since making his Falcons debut in 2007. He was named the club’s player of the season last year.

His signing of a two-year deal comes hard on the heels of the Warriors announcing they have signed Tonga Rugby World Cup star Viliami Ma’afu.

He is the Warriors’ third confirmed new signing for next season, with Sean Lamont having pledged to return to the club where he made his name

Swinson is also eligible to play for Scotland, courtesy of a maternal grandmother from Glasgow. He has signed a two-year contract with the Warriors, taking him up to the end of May 2014.

He said:  “I’m really pleased to have signed for a club with the ambition and bright future of Glasgow Warriors.

“They’ve made real progress in the RaboDirect PRO12 this season, and with the signings and re-signings they’ve made, they’re clearly very determined to build on that and achieve success.

“I’m thoroughly looking forward to throwing myself into the cause come the summer, but for now it’s about focussing on helping Newcastle Falcons secure their Aviva Premiership status.

“There is a great team environment at the club, and everything I’ve seen and heard about the Warriors suggests that’s very much the case in Glasgow as well. It’s going to be a really positive place and team to be part of. I leave the Falcons on good terms and the move has been handled well on both sides.” 

Head coach Sean Lineen welcomed Swinson’s signing, saying: “We see this as a very positive step in our planning for next season. Tim is a player who has consistently stood out in one of the toughest testing grounds for a second row forward, the English Premiership.

“He’s a battle-hardened competitor who relishes the physical side of the game, and he’s not one for taking a backward step with the pressure’s really on.

“We’re delighted to have him on board. He’ll give us another great option in an area of the team where we’ve already got a good number of guys challenging for jerseys, and it’s another strong piece in the jigsaw for what should be a really exciting chapter in the club’s history.”