Richards quitting as Falcons’ head coach

DEAN Richards will step down as

Newcastle Falcons’ director of rugby at the end of the season, head coach Dave Walder taking charge of rugby matters.

After 25 years as a director of rugby, the last ten of those at Newcastle, Richards (below) has taken the decision to step aside, although his experience will still be used in a parttime consultancy role.

Former England fly-half Walder, a two-time cup winner with the Falcons as a player, will take overall charge with current coaches Mark Laycock, Micky Ward and Scott Macleod all remaining on the staff.

Mark Wilson is also expected to join the coaching team. However, defence coach Nick Easter and kicking skills coach Toby Flood will leave their positions in the summer.