Falcons update coaching structure

07 July 2015 08:32

Newcastle have confirmed head coach John Wells will also lead the Aviva Premiership club's defence department following Graham Steadman's move to Cardiff Blues.

And, as part of an updated coaching structure at Kingston Park, there will be new responsibilities for lock Scott MacLeod and club academy manager Mark Laycock.

Ex-Scotland international lock MacLeod will take up a player-coaching role, joining the back-room staff as a lineout specialist, while Laycock will assume a skills-based post.

Former Falcons players Dave Walder and Micky Ward, meanwhile, will continue with their coaching work on attack and scrummaging, respectively.

"After making strides last season in the club's development, I think we have the building blocks in place to continue that progress this season," Newcastle rugby director Dean Richards told the Falcons' official website.

"We have a good balance of experience and enthusiasm, and with people like Mark and Scott taking on new responsibilities, it's an exciting new dynamic for the new season."

Source: PA