Dean Richards extends stay at Newcastle

Newcastle Falcons have confirmed that director of rugby Dean Richards has penned a new three-year deal with the English Premiership club.

Richards, who had previously coached Leicester Tigers and Harlequins previously, joined the Falcons at the start of 2012/13 season and in his first year, he helped them to promotion to the top tier.

The former England and British and Irish Lions international also was instrumental this season with the club reaching Aviva Premiership final for the first season and also progressed to the semi-final in the Anglo-Welsh Cup and also the European Rugby Challenge Cup.

"I feel passionate about the club, I always wanted to remain here and there is still a lot of work to do in terms of continuing the great progress we are making," the 54-year-old said.

Newcastle Falcons chairman Semore Kurdi is delighted with Richards deciding to remain with the club.

“Everyone within rugby knows what an outstanding job Dean has done here both on and off the field, and it’s fantastic news that he will be with us for the long term."

Newcastle Falcons will face Wasps in the final round of the Aviva Premiership at Kingston Park on Saturday.