Coach Alan Tait is moving south to gain experience with Newcastle

Coach Alan Tait is to leave Scottish Rugby for Newcastle Falcons after next month's tour of Argentina.

Tait has signed a three-year contract to become the assistant coach of the Falcons from July 1.

"This has not been an easy decision but if I'm to be the head coach of Scotland one day I need to get much more coaching experience," said Tait.

"I'm not moving for money. I've opted to join Newcastle because at this stage of my career it's what I need."

Capped 27 times by Scotland and a former British Lion, Tait will focus on defence, skills and backs coaching.

He will be joining up with Newcastle's director of rugby, Steve Bates, who he first worked with as a player at the Border Reivers.

"I've been fortunate to work with some great coaches during my involvement with Scotland and, like them all, I've had some sleepless nights, because Scotland means so much to us," he added.

"I'll give my all with Frank Hadden, Sean Lineen, Andy Robinson and Duncan Hodge over the next few weeks and the two Tests in Argentina and I'll look forward to working with Steve again and aim to improve as a coach at the Falcons."