Newcastle appoint Scott Baldwin as defence coach
Scott Baldwin has played 37 Tests for Wales
©PA
Newcastle Falcons have confirmed the appointment of Wales hooker Scott Baldwin as defence coach ahead of the 2023/24 season.
Baldwin has played 37 Tests for Wales and was part of the Six Nations competition earlier in the year. Nevertheless, he has announced retirement from playing career to focus on the coaching.
He had already worked as forwards coach for Bridgend Ravens and now will join the new backroom staff of the Falcons which will be headed by Alex Codling.
“I first met Scott when I was forwards coach at Harlequins, I enjoyed working him and you could see straight away he was a top professional," said Codling.
“He’s got a huge amount of experience from playing in the Premiership, URC and internationally over a number of years, and he’ll bring a wealth of knowledge to the role.
“During my own time working with Scott you could see he was keen to make the transition from playing to coaching, and he was one of those guys who always seemed to think like a coach.
"I’m looking forward to integrating him into a fantastic group here and seeing the impact he will make for the Falcons.”
The 34-year-old also had a stellar 14-year playing career having featured for Ospreys, Harlequins and Worcester Warriors. His club career saw him playing more than 100 times in the United Rugby Championship and 43 in Europe as well as starting for Harlequins in their victorious 2021 Gallagher Premiership final.
“Coaching is something I’ve been really interested in since 2017 when I started doing it at semi-pro level with Bridgend, and I just fell in love with that side of the game," said Baldwin.
“That’s grown more and more as time has gone on, and it’s a fascinating area in terms of the different styles of play and not just being one mould for everyone. It’s broadened my horizons while I’ve been combining it with playing, and I can’t wait to get started with Newcastle.
“It’s been tough in a way because I know I can still play at this level, but this felt like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to start my professional coaching career."
