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Championship club Nottingham have signed former Newcastle Falcons flanker Brent Wilson on an 18-month contract.

The 30-year-old, who left England to play in his native New Zealand in 2010, can play anywhere in the back row.

Wilson told he hopes his experience can help the club challenge for promotion this season.

"A lot of games only come down to a few points. That's when having experience is a big help. It's crucial to have those [experienced] players," he added.

"There's a small margin between winning and losing. There have been a lot of narrow losses [for Nottingham] and tough games so we hope to turn some of those into wins."

Wilson, whose wife is English, said: ". I came over here at 18 and I got a good insight into English rugby and it built from there. I've really enjoyed it and it's suited my game.

"It's refreshing to come down to Nottingham and give the Championship a crack. I'm relishing the challenge. I'd like to think I can contribute and help the club push on to challenge for promotion."

Director of rugby Glenn Delaney added: "Brent is a very experienced flanker and a proven leader."

He will compete for a back-row positions with Sione Kalamafoni, Alex Shaw, Johnny Baird, Phil Eggleshaw and skipper Craig Hammond.

Wilson, who played five seasons with Newcastle between 2006 and 2010, is available for Sunday's British and Irish Cup match against Pontypridd at Meadow Lane.