Former Highlanders assistant-coach Peter Russell is set to be confirmed as the new head coach at Newcastle Falcons.
Ex-Hawke's Bay boss waiting on work permit
Former Highlanders assistant-coach Peter Russell is set to be confirmed as the new head coach at Newcastle Falcons.
The 48-year-old New Zealander will make the move to England work under director of rugby Dean Richards at Kingston Park.
Russell, who helped developed the likes of All Blacks trio Hika Elliot, Israel Dagg and Zac Guildford during his coaching career, has been out of work since leaving Hawke's Bay in 2011.
Russell guided the Magpies to three successive Air New Zealand Cup semi-finals between 2007 and 2009 - and although they finished eighth in 2010 he guided them to the second tier ITM Championship title last year.
Russell, who had previously been linked to a role at Gloucester, will now team up with the Falcons subject to receiving a work permit.
Former England coach John Wells is also set to formalise his role at Newcastle, having initially arrived on a short-term deal under Gary Gold last season.
