Former Worcester and Bees wing Uche Oduoza has signed for Premiership outfit Newcastle Falcons.

The 22-year-old becomes the Falcons’ 18th signing this summer in joining from Japanese club Suntory, where team-mates included Wallaby legend George Gregan.

The giant 6ft 2in, 16st 6lb winger is renowned for his physical presence and pace, having represented England at Under-21s, 19s and 18s levels as well as his exploits on the IRB Sevens circuit. He also came through the Sixways academy from where he played 14 matches for Warriors and scored four tries before leaving in the summer of 2008.

Oduoza combines his role at the Falcons with his studies at York University, with director of rugby Steve Bates saying: “Uche gives us a big physical threat on the wing and another dimension to our game. He has impressed us with his pace and power.”

n?Dean Richards may face further punishment for masterminding the Harlequins ‘Bloodgate’ scandal after his three-year ban was made global.

The International Rugby Board confirmed Richards will be unable to coach anywhere in the world on the advice of an independent appeals committee, which suspended the former Quins director of rugby from coaching in ERC-organised matches.

Richards, whose career and reputation lie in tatters, took full responsibility on Monday for an incident in which wing Tom Williams faked a blood injury during the April 12 Heineken Cup defeat to Leinster.

Williams burst a fake blood capsule in his mouth so that substituted drop-goal specialist Nick Evans could re-enter the field as Quins trailed 6-5.Former England forward Richards, aged 46, was found to have orchestrated a cover-up that saw Williams’ mouth deliberately cut in the dressing room to hide the offence.

Confirming the worldwide ban, the IRB said: “The IRB operates a zero tolerance policy towards cheating of any form in the game and works tirelessly with all 116 member unions and key stakeholders to ensure that players are protected as well as the image of the game.”