Bath have confirmed they will sign promising prop David Wilson from Newcastle at the end of the season, writes Steve Cotton.

The Daily Press reported on Thursday morning that the 23-year-old tighthead was being lined up as Bath's replacement for Matt Stevens, who is banned until January 2011 after testing positive for cocaine.

And the Recreation Ground club confirmed on Thursday night that England Saxons prop Wilson will arrive on a two-year deal this summer.

Head coach Steve Meehan said: "Davey is a fine young prop, who I am sure will react well in his new environment.

"He is strong in the set-piece, has a great work ethic and is far more talented with the ball in hand than people realise.

"We are looking forward to him joining the squad in the coming season and competing for a position in the Bath front row."

Wilson joined the senior England squad on tour in New Zealand last summer, and although he did not feature at Test level, he is tipped for a bright future on the international stage.

Meehan views Wilson as an ideal replacement for Stevens, who has resigned from his four-year deal at Bath following his failed drugs test.

And resurgent Newcastle, who have moved well clear of Guinness Premiership relegation trouble following three straight wins, are devastated to be losing one of their brightest Academy products.

Head coach Steve Bates said: "Naturally it's disappointing to see a good player and a local lad leave the club, but we thank Davey for all his efforts with the Falcons and wish him well for the future."

And Bates felt that, with Carl Hayman on the club's books, Wilson was forced to look elsewhere for regular Guinnness Premiership starts.

"We had been talking to Davey for some time, we wanted to keep him and made what we felt was a very good offer," said Bates.

"However, to fulfil his own international ambitions, Davey felt he needed to be at a club where he could guarantee regular starting rugby at tighthead prop.

"That is obviously a position where we are extremely strong with Carl Hayman here right now, and being totally honest with Davey we had to be up front and say we would be unable to guarantee him that starting spot week in, week out."