Photo (Getty Images)
By Jake Jones
Newcastle Falcons director of rugby Dean Richards has signed a new three-year deal after securing a first ever Premiership play-off finish.
Richards, 54, took over at Newcastle in 2012-13 and led the club back into the top flight at the first attempt.
Since then the former Leicester and Harlequins boss has rebuilt the club, securing a European semi-final and best finish in 20 years this term.
“I feel passionate about the club,” he said.
“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.”
This season has seen Falcons finish in the top four, attract a 35,000-plus crowd at Newcastle United's St James' Park for a regular-season fixture and in turn secure elite European rugby for the first time since 2005.
