With the ability to play at either loosehead or tighthead, the Kirkham Grammar School student last month helped Ireland Under-20s defeat France away from home, having previously starred for Ireland Under-18s last year as they reached the final of the FIRA European Championships in Italy.

Brookes scored the winning try in the semi-final against England, for whom he is also eligible, and the talented 19-year-old moves to the Falcons on a one-year contract after impressing with Fylde RFC at senior first team level and the Lancashire County side.

Falcons director of rugby, Steve Bates, said: "Kieran is well known on the circuit as being one of the most gifted young props in the country, and I am delighted that we have been able to secure his services.

"He actually came up for a week during the season to train with our first team squad and did not look out of place at all, so we look forward to him continuing his development here at Kingston Park."

Brookes still has another season left for Ireland at Under-20s level, having made his debut for the 20s Development Team a year young this season as they defeated France 25-18 in Vierzon in front of a capacity crowd of 4,000.

Falcons academy director, Mark Laycock, said: "Kieran embodies all the qualities we look for in a player, in that he is enthusiastic, committed and extremely talented.

"As well as training and playing with the Falcons he will also study a sports coaching course at Northumbria University, and we look forward to his arrival over the summer."

KIERAN BROOKES FACTFILE:

Position: Prop
Born: 29/8/90
Height: 6ft 1
Weight: 19 stone
Honours: Ireland U20s, 19s, 18s
Previous clubs: Fylde RFC