Peter Russell is the Falcons' new head coach © Getty Images

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News: Newcastle reportedly set to appoint Peter Russell

Tournaments/Tours: Aviva Premiership

Teams: England | Hawke's Bay | Newcastle Falcons

Newcastle Falcons have confirmed the appointment of Peter Russell as their new head coach.

Russell will work under new director of rugby Dean Richards and moves to the Falcons from Hawke's Bay of New Zealand's ITM Cup. Russell also has experience at international level having been assistant coach with the New Zealand Under-20s.

Russell, who had been linked with a Super Rugby post at the Hurricanes, has penned a two-year deal with the Falcons and is relishing the chance to move across the world. "Going to England means a whole new door opens. I could be there longer than two years," Russell told Hawke's Bay Today. "It was always a case of waiting for the right job to come along and there have been a lot of good people looking for roles for me during the last four or five months ... not just in New Zealand."

If rumours are to be believed, then Russell will be joined at the Falcons next season by former Scotland defence coach Graham Steadman. Ex-England forwards boss John Wells is also expected to stay at the Falcons after joining the club on an interim basis last season.

In other Newcastle news, the Newcastle Chronicle is reporting that the club have lined up former Quins fly-half Waisea Luveniyali on a one-year deal.