The 31-year-old, who can play a variety of back line positions including full-back and centre, will join from the New South Wales Waratahs on a two-year-contract.

"Matthew is one of the biggest names in world rugby and it represents massive ambition on behalf of the club that we have managed to attract a player of his quality, said director of rugby Rob Andrew.

"He's been one of the most solid players at international level for a long time now and we expect his experience and skill to have a major impact on the English and European stage.

"Matthew has played in a lot of different positions, all with great success, and we believe his presence at Newcastle can be a real driving force."

Burke famously kicked Australia to victory in the 1999 Rugby World Cup, scoring 25 points against France in the final and finishing second-highest scorer in the competition with 101 points.

He has won 77 caps in his 10-year international career and his tally of 868 points is the fifth highest of all time and second highest in Australian history.

Burke's 29 international tries also making him the fourth top Wallabies try-scorer behind only David Campese, Joe Roff and Tim Horan.

"I am delighted to have signed for Newcastle Falcons and am looking forward to the next phase of my career and to playing in the English Premiership and the European Cup,'' he said.

"Newcastle have already had great success both on and off the field in a very short period of time and with the signings that have been made, I am looking forward to helping the club build on this success.

"I am impressed with the ambition of the club and am keen to be a part of the next phase for Newcastle,'' Burke added.