Grimes joins Falcons set-up

Former Scotland lock Stuart Grimes has returned to Newcastle to complete their backroom staff for next season.

Former Scotland lock Stuart Grimes has returned to Newcastle to complete their backroom staff for next season.

The 34-year-old, who played for the Falcons between 1999 and 2006, joins fellow Scot Alan Tait as an Assistant Coach in the new-look set-up, with Grimes taking responsibility primarily for the club's line out.

“Stuart will look at our line-out in a very specialist way, and will be a quality addition to our coaching group,” said Falcons boss Steve Bates.

“He is very highly regarded as an expert on the modern line-out and has a huge amount of knowledge in that area, as well as a very thoughtful and analytical approach which makes him the ideal candidate for this position.

“What I would like to make clear is that this is not simply a case of appointing a forwards coach, it is about looking at our line-out in a real specialist manner as Stuart complements the other coaches and senior players we have at the club.”