Wales flanker Sam Cross' Newcastle stay to end a year early

The 31-year-old back row forward headed for Kingston Park last summer on a two-year deal after leaving the Ospreys.

Twice-capped Cross had been poised to play for Merthyr before a chance came up with the Falcons and he has made 18 appearances for the strugglers, who swapped former Ebbw Vale boss Alex Codling for Steve Diamond in January.

However, the former Wales Sevens international, who won Olympic silver with Team GB at Rio in 2016, has been listed among the Newcastle leavers.

The Falcons attempt to avoid a winless Premiership season on Saturday when they head to Gloucester, who are likely to show a reaction to a 90-0 humiliation at the hands of Northampton.

LEAVING: Sam Cross is heading for the Newcastle exit (Image: PA)

Cross started at openside in Newcastle’s solitary win of the campaign against Perpignan in the European Challenge Cup.

The Ospreys have also confirmed their leavers with Wales wing Alex Cuthbert heading for the exit after three seasons in Swansea.

The 34-year-old has endured an injury-hit campaign for Toby Booth’s play-off hopefuls, suffering a serious hamstring injury in March on only his third outing.

Former Ebbw Vale winger Toby Fricker – who was recently named in an extended player squad by the USA – is also on the move.

The 28-year-old, who is from Clapham with a father from Builth Wells, joined the Ospreys last summer after leaving Bristol.

George North and Nicky Smith are joining Provence and Leicester while winger Mat Protheroe, flanker Will Hickey and scrum-half Cam Jones been released.

“This part of the season is always a tough time, especially when you have to say goodbye to players that have given a lot to the club over the years," said Booth.

“We wanted to get this announcement out prior to our last home fixture so that our supporters could join us in thanking the boys for everything they’ve contributed in an Ospreys jersey.”