Newcastle Red Bulls have signed Canada forward Mason Flesch until the end of the season.
The 26-year-old – who can play at lock or in the back row – has been capped 26 times by his country.
Flesch scored 10 tries in 11 games for Chicago Hounds, including one in the final as his side overcame California Legion to claim the Major League Rugby title and was named the league’s forward of the season for 2026.
Ontario-born Flesch came through the ranks with the Toronto Arrows and made his professional debut in 2021 before winning his first Canada cap later that year.
Head coach Dan McFarland told the Newcastle website:, external “Mason has been a stand-out performer in Major League Rugby and for his country, and deserves this opportunity.
“He is a great athlete who will add depth to a very competitive area of our squad, and I look forward to working with him in our environment.”
Flesch, who arrived on Tyneside this week, added: “I’m incredibly excited to be a part of this team.
“I’m looking forward to being involved with a quality full-time organisation, and most importantly very eager to train and help push standards.”
Newcastle have lost their first three Prem games this season and also lost their European Challenge Cup opener 47-14 at Scarlets last Saturday.
