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Wednesday, 29 May, 2002, 13:04 GMT 14:04 UK
Andrew agrees Falcons deal
Rob Andrew
Andrew has been at Newcastle for seven years
Newcastle director of rugby Rob Andrew has signed a new five-year contract with the Zurich Premiership club.

The Falcons have also named former Wallaby prop Andrew Blades as their new forwards coach on a three-year deal.

Former England and Lions fly-half Andrew, 39, joined Newcastle seven years ago.

He led the club to the league title in 1998 and oversaw Falcons' qualification for last season's Heineken Cup.

"I still feel that we have only scratched the surface, although I have been here for nearly seven years," said Andrew.

"It is a long process building a team and a club - it doesn't happen overnight.

"But we've made extraordinary progress, and we are at the point where we have established a base for the future."

Former Wallaby prop Andrew Blades
Blades won the World Cup with Australia in 1999
Blades, capped 32 times by Australia, retired after the 1999 World Cup, and has since been working as an assistant coach with the ACT Brumbies and Australian Under-21 squad.

"This is the sort of appointment I have been looking to make for the last three years," said Andrew.

"But the right person was never available until I heard on the grapevine a few months ago that Andrew Blades was interested in coming to Europe.

"Not surprisingly, there was a bit of competition for his services, and I am absolutely thrilled and delighted that we've got him.

"There are not many guys around with Andrew's coaching qualities that also fit perfectly into our style and, in addition, he has a huge knowledge of the front-row."

Newcastle have also announced that Scotland hooker Steve Brotherstone, who joined them on loan from Northampton earlier this season, has signed a two-year contract.

See also:

11 May 02 | English
07 Apr 02 | English
08 Jan 02 | English
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