Newcastle Falcons appoint Steve Diamond as consultant director of rugby

Newcastle Falcons have appointed Steve Diamond as consultant director of rugby.

The decision follows after the club endured a tough season having lost all 11 Premiership games apart from three matches in the European Challenge Cup.

The new set up means current head coach Alex Codling will step down from his role forwards coach Micky Ward will take charge of the club on an interim basis until the arrival of Diamond.

“Newcastle are an iconic Premiership club with a fantastic history," said Diamond to the club's official website.

“It is a privilege to be asked to assist in building a successful and sustainable Premiership business.”

Diamond spent most of his coaching career with Sale Sharks after being part of them between 2012 and 2020 before joining Worcester Warriors. As the club entered into administration, he moved to Edinburgh Rugby as a consultant.

He also has the experience of working with England Saxons, Saracens and Russia and also featured in over 350 games for Sale Sharks between 1989 and 2000.

“I am delighted to welcome Steve Diamond to the club. He is well known and respected throughout rugby, and we believe he is the right man to help us take the club forward," said Newcastle Falcons chairman of rugby Matt Thompson.

“The work he did up at Edinburgh recently has contributed enormously to putting them on a sure footing, and at Worcester he did a remarkable job in exceptionally difficult circumstances.

“He knows the English rugby landscape very well, he is passionate about having a strong northern presence in the Gallagher Premiership and I’m excited about what can be achieved here with him on board.

“I would like to thank Alex Codling for all the hard work he has put in during his time as head coach, and during this interim period we will give Micky Ward all the support he needs for our games in Perpignan and Northampton.”