Newcastle Falcons appoint Scott MacLeod as line-out coach

Newcastle Falcons have announced the appointment of former Scotland international Scott MacLeod as the new line out coach.

MacLeod played for Newcastle Falcons across 11 seasons playing 61 times for them before joining their backroom staff in 2016.

“I’ve missed the place a lot,” he told the club's official website.

“I’m now working for my family’s business, MacLeod Glass, up in Hawick, but I’m sure any sportsperson will tell you they miss being in and around that team environment.

"It’s certainly very different going from a Premiership rugby club to working in a factory every day, and it’s been a shock to the system.

“I’ll now get to combine both, and I’ve missed being involved with the professional game. I’ve been coaching my son’s S2 side to get my rugby fix, but I’m buzzing to be back with the Falcons. It’s a really special club for me.”

The 44-year-old also has been capped 24 times for Scotland in a career spanning between 2004 and 2011 and also represented Border Reivers, Scarlets, Edinburgh and Kobelco Steelers in the past.

“Scott is a well-respected line-out specialist who can help us make some big gains in that area between now and the end of the season," said Newcastle Falcons’ consultant director of rugby Steve Diamond.

“He knows and loves the club, he’s very well regarded here and I’m looking forward to getting him back involved.

“We’ve initially said it’s until the end of the season and I know Scott has other business commitments, but if it works well for both parties over the next few months then we’ll be happy to look at extending it beyond that.”

Newcastle Falcons are languishing at the bottom of the Gallagher Premiership table after losing all their 12 matches.