Falcons snap up Hawke's Bay boss
Newcastle Falcons have appointed Peter Russell as head coach as their preparations for the 2012/2013 English Premiership season continue.
Russell is former flyhalf or centre who made more than a century of premier grade appearances in Wellington as a player, whilst the hallmark of his coaching has been an expansive and attacking style which has helped the likes of Israel Dagg, Zac Guildford and Brodie Retallick to earn All Black international honours.
Arriving on the provincial coaching scene with Wairarapa Bush in 2003, Russell took them to the provincial final in only his second season in charge before delivering successive titles in the subsequent two years.
Russell rose to further prominence in New Zealand with the Hawke's Bay province, helping the Magpies to routinely outperform larger provinces en route to three successive NPC semifinal appearances.
With additional experience as assistant coach to the Highlanders Super Rugby side as well as New Zealand's Under-20s and Divisional XVs Russell will be a key addition to the Falcons staff ahead of the new season.
Russell said "Improving the Falcons position will be the aim and with good things in place and some good people around me we can achieve that."