Tait took over from former coach Steve Bates at the end of last season

Newcastle Falcons head coach Alan Tait has called on his pack to show off their talents during the forthcoming Premiership campaign.

Tait and assistant coach Paul Moriarty have worked to improve ball-handling skills within the Falcons pack.

"If you want to be a really good side, the forwards have got to be able to play rugby," Tait told BBC Newcastle.

"They've got to get into positions, where to go from the breakdown and making themselves available."

Tait added: "Backs are asked to be more involved in contact stuff, and as a back myself why not get the forwards involved in carrying the ball and offloading?"

Following Steve Bates' departure from Kingston Park at the end of last season, Tait stepped up from his assistant coach role to take over as the main man within the Falcons management team.

And the dual code Lion admitted his transition has been made easier by the presence of his coaching staff.

"It's been a lot different, there's a lot of responsibilities and organisation," Tait added.

"I'm lucky I've got some great guys around me, that's all you can do is surround yourself if you're in charge.

"Richard Arnold's been brought in from the academy, he looks as if he's doing a wonderful job and getting a rapport with some of the players."

"Paul's brought in fresh ideas, he's been around and has experience on the conditioning side Andy [Smith], Paddy [Evans] and Kevin [McShane] are working hard in the gym.

"I can leave those jobs to them and know they're getting done, while Martin Hasty on the analysis is probably the busiest guy we've got.

"He's the one that is least seen, but for the hours he's put in and the benefit for the players, he's probably the main one."

Falcons welcome Rotherham Titans to Kingston Park for a final friendly on Saturday, 21 August.

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