Former Newcastle Falcons player Stuart Grimes has returned to the club as an assistant coach.

Grimes, who played for the Falcons between 1999 and 2006 and is a former Scotland lock, has been brought in primarily to drill the team's lineout.

Newcastle director of rugby Steve Bates said: "He is very highly regarded as an expert on the modern lineout.

"He has a huge amount of knowledge in that area, as well as a very thoughtful and analytical approach."