Newcastle Falcons have announced the re-signing of former England fly-half Toby Flood from French side Toulouse.
The 31-year-old will return to Kingston Park in the summer after a nine-year absence during which he won two Aviva Premiership titles during a six-year spell with Leicester Tigers.
Flood, who graduated from Newcastle's academy before spending the last three years in France, is the 10th new signing for the club and said: "When the opportunity came onto the table it didn't take long for me to make the decision.
"It really feels like I'm coming home, and I've watched a fair amount of Newcastle's games in recent months.
"The reality is that they didn't have to do much of a sales pitch because the improvements at the club are obvious to see, and with the recruitment they have put in place it was too exciting a proposition to turn down."
Falcons director of rugby Dean Richards believes the capture of Flood displays the desire at Newcastle to challenge for honours.
Richards said: "Toby is a proven performer at the very top level, he is a local lad and it is a huge boost for us to be able to add a player of his quality to our squad.
"He has vast leadership experience, he will bring an extra dimension to our game and this really is a signing which outlines the ambition we have to rise even further up the Premiership table.
"We have quality players coming through our academy and a number of major new signings joining us. All the signs are really positive for next season and it is a hugely exciting time to be involved with the club."