ENGLAND A full back Tim Stimpson became the latest player to join Rob Andrew's Newcastle yesterday. Stimpson was unveiled as the club's latest acquisition at Newcastle United Sporting Club's Livingwell Health Club.

England lock Garath Archer and Andrew Blyth, also an England A player, are expected to join him soon as Andrew takes his spending close to the £750,000 mark. Stimpson, 22, played in four of England A's Grand Slam games This season.

So far this season, Andrew has signed England wing Tony Underwood, Scottish stars Gary Armstrong, Peter Walton and Doddie Weir, Irish prop Nick Popplewell, plus Dean Ryan, Steve Bates and Graham Childs from Wasps.