Newcastle extension for Dean Richards

Newcastle have received a boost going into the business end of the Premiership campaign after Dean Richards inked a new contract.

Having steered the club to their best season in two decades, Richards confirmed he has signed a new three-year deal as director of rugby.

Masterminding their climb up to eighth last season, Richards has been at the helm of a remarkable effort during the current campaign which has seen the Falcons make the Premiership semi-finals for the first time in the club’s history, also reaching the semi-final stage in both the Challenge Cup and Anglo-Welsh Cup.

Richards broke the news of his new contract at a Falcons fans’ forum event, saying: “I feel passionate about the club, I always wanted to remain here and there is still a lot of work to do in terms of continuing the great progress we are making.”

Newcastle Falcons chairman Semore Kurdi, delighted to have retained Richards’ services, said: “Everyone within rugby knows what an outstanding job Dean has done here both on and off the field, and it’s fantastic news that he will be with us for the long term.”