Newcastle Falcons appoint Nick Easter as new defence coach

Newcastle Falcons have confirmed former England international Nick Easter as the new defence coach ahead of their return back to the Premiership in the 2020/21 season.

Easter spent most of his playing career with Harlequins between 2004 and 2016 and remains the most-capped player for the club in the history of the game with 281 appearances.

Following his retirement from playing career, he joined as defence coach of the Quins - a position he held until 2018 before moving to Natal Sharks where he helped them win the Currie Cup final. He also worked with Super Rugby side Sharks as forwards and defence coach.

“It’s great to have the opportunity to coach back in the Premiership – especially working with a guy like Dean and at a club like Newcastle," he told in a statement released by the club.

“I have a great relationship with Dean having played under him at Harlequins, and he’s doing great work up there with a couple of promotions and a top-four Premiership finish. It’s a club on the rise and I want to play my part.

“I’ve had a great experience in South Africa over the last few years and learned a lot from being involved in Super Rugby. I’ll now be looking to take that and grow it further in working with an outstanding group of coaches and players at the Falcons, and it’s an exciting prospect.”

Easter also had represented England in 54 Tests and was part of 2007, 2011 and 2015 World Cup campaigns.