Bates returns to Newcastle

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The former England and Wasps scrum-half spent eight seasons with the Falcons as first-team coach between 1995 and 2003, working alongside Rob Andrew.

Newcastle won the Premiership title and domestic knock-out cup during that period, and Bates now heads back to Tyneside ater three years at Border Reivers, who play their final game on Saturday following the Scottish Rugby Union's decision to close them down.

Bates, 44, also coached Scotland A to last season's Churchill Cup final - they beat England Saxons en route - and takes up his new post on June 1.

Falcons rugby director John Fletcher said: "This is a very significant day for us.

"Steve is an innovative coach who I have long admired, and someone we know very well from his time with the club.

"Players who have worked with him have nothing but good things to say, and I believe he has a big contribution to make to the coaching team.

"His appointment was very much driven by myself from day one, purely because I hold him in such high regard.

"I have felt for some time that we were one light on the coaching team, but was adamant we would not rush into an appointment until the right candidate became available.

"Having talked at length with Steve over a number of weeks, I have no doubt that he is the right man to help take the club forward alongside myself, Peter Walton, Steve Black and Ian Peel."