Premiership regulations stipulate only one foreigner can be on the field for a team at any time, but Burke’s new-found status allows the Falcons to play both him and Kiwi prop Joe McDonnell in the same side.

Burke, who lives in Gosforth with his wife Kate and daughters Harriette (4) and Edie (2), moved to Newcastle two-and-a-half years ago, and despite being born in Sydney now has dual nationality due to his mother being born in London.

“The opportunity arose for me to help out the Falcons, who have been so good to me during my time over here, and with mum being born in England we decided to explore the options further,” he said.

“Under English rugby rules only one foreign player can be on the field for a team at any one time, so having gone through the process now it gives the Falcons more options in terms of selecting their side each week.”

Although Burke cannot play for England he has received the support of his Newcastle team-mates.

“Everyone at the club has been very kind, and they have been joking about buying me a pair of Union Jack boxer shorts,” he said.

Falcons director of rugby, John Fletcher, added: “To go through such a lengthy and complicated bureaucratic process speaks volumes of Matt and the type of bloke he is.

“Him becoming a British citizen helps the club massively because it allows us to field both him and Joe McDonnell, two of our strongest players, at the same time.

“The other upside is also the amount of abuse it enables us to give Burkey, now that he’s a Pom, but he’s taken it all in good spirit in fairness to him.”

In his 66 games for the Falcons Burke has scored a total of 387 points, including 23 tries, and last season was awarded the player of the year trophy in recognition of his contribution to the club.

He was presented with his new citizenship by the Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Councillor Diane Packham, and they were entertained by the children from Hotspur Primary School.

This was also the last citizenship ceremony to be conducted by Lorraine Dewison, who is moving from Newcastle City Council to become Registration Services Manager at Northumberland County Council.