South African centre Gcobani Bobo has agreed a two-year contract with Newcastle.

Bobo brings to an end to a nine-year first-class career in South Africa after missing just one game for the Stormers in this year's Super 14.

"I'll certainly miss the camaraderie here in South Africa," said Bobo. "But it's an exciting and new challenge for me."

The 29-year-old won the last of his six Springbok caps in the victory over Italy in June 2008, while he played for the Western Province in their narrow defeat by the British and Irish Lions last month.

He added: "Rugby is a professional sport and opportunities to move abroad will, at some point, present themselves. I am excited about moving to England and hopefully I can utilise my talents in another country and for a new and ambitious team."

The new Guinness Premiership season begins at the start of September with the Falcons opening their campaign at Leeds, while Bobo and his new Newcastle team-mates can also look forward to the European Challenge Cup.

"I've always enjoyed England, having been there a few times on tour, and without trying to sell other countries short I felt it would be an easier move to make in terms of fitting in, speaking the language and knowing the players I will be playing with and against," added Bobo.

"The Guinness Premiership is a tough league and the European competitions are a great way to see new places and experience new cultures.

"The nice thing, however, is that I will continue to test myself against some of the world's top players - only in a different environment."