The Scotland international and dual-code British Lion joined the Falcons as assistant coach in the summer of 2008, having worked previously as defence coach with the Scotland national team.

A Premiership-winner as a player with Newcastle back in 1998, Tait became the first ever Scottish rugby union international to go to rugby league and come back to the international XV man game.

Playing with Widnes and then Leeds in league, Tait's return to union saw him earn selection for the British and Lions in 1997 for their South African tour, where he started in both Test match victories over the Springboks, scoring one try.

His time coaching with the Scotland national team included the 2008 Calcutta Cup victory over England and two Rugby World Cups.