Championship team Leeds Carnegie have completed the signing of former Newcastle Falcons flanker Ed Williamson for the rest of the season.
Championship team give flanker chance to return from injury
Championship team Leeds Carnegie have completed the signing of former Newcastle Falcons flanker Ed Williamson for the rest of the season.
The 27-year-old left Kingston Park at the end of last season after injuries limited his match time, ending his 11-season stint with the Falcons.
Williamson has been suffering with a hand injury which forced him away from Newcastle and initial reports suggested that his career could be over.
However, following numerous discussions with specialists Williamson went ahead with corrective surgery and the back-row is delighted to have the all-clear to play again.
"I was going through the process of retiring through the hand injury and securing compensation when I was recommended to see a specialist," he said.
"He was confident that the damage could be repaired and that was the best news I could have received.
"I kept myself involved in the game coaching Westoe in the lower leagues as well as England Students and Newcastle University, however not having the day-to-day buzz of training and being part of a team left a big gap in my life."
Williamson joins Carnegie with the end of the season nearer and while being delighted at the opportunity to play again understands he has to work hard to earn a permanent deal at the club.
Delighted
"I was delighted when Leeds Carnegie offered me the chance to play for them this season and it is now up to me to earn a new deal for next season through my performances," he added.
"I am confident I can pick up where I left off last season and be better than I was before."
With important matches ahead as the Championship enters the play-off period Carnegie coach Diccon Edwards is excited to bring Williamson to the club.
"We are pleased to have recruited a player of Ed's experience," he said.
"He is very hungry to prove he can play at the highest level again and his enthusiasm has been evident from the moment we spoke to him."
Williamson will not feature for Leeds Carnegie this weekend against Bedford despite training with the squad during the week but will be up for selection for the match against Nottingham next week.
