Ex-Irish hooker Nesdale takes up Newcastle role

Former Ireland hooker Ross Nesdale has been appointed as Newcastle Falcon's forwards coach.

New Zealand-born Nesdale has signed a three-year deal, filling the role vacated by the departing Andrew Blades, who has taken up a position with the Australian Rugby Union (ARU).

Nesdale returns to the club where he sent five seasons as a player, and was part of the side that won the 1997/98 Premiership title.

The 34-year-old won 13 Ireland caps between 1997-99, and has recently been working as a specialist line-out throwing coach with the All Blacks.