Name: Ian Smith

Job Title: Education and Welfare Officer

Ian is formerly a coach with the Falcons academy, as well as ex-director of rugby at Northumbria University.

His current role at the Falcons involves helping the players with their education, training and employment needs to go along with their rugby careers.

Ian is also the rugby summariser for BBC Radio Newcastle.

School/university: University Of Westminster

Nicknames: Smithy/Smudger

Favourite TV show: Gardener’s World. Generally TV is a load of c**p. Everybody should be forced to listen to the radio.

Favourite film: All The President’s Men.  It is normally a disappointment to watch a film after reading the book, but this film is brilliant.

Favourite music: Anything as music is the food of life, Classic FM to Radio 1.  Have recently seen Madam Butterfly at Covent Garden Opera House, Eddie Reader at the Sage and the Finn Brothers at the City Hall.

Favourite book: Grumpy Old Men bought for my 50th birthday... it is me!!

Favourite food: Anything except marzipan, which mings.

Most like to meet: Radcliffe And Maconie

Least like to meet: Jeffrey Archer

Best moment in rugby: Coaching Northumbria University to their first UAU Championship win in 1994 at Twickenham.

Best moment outside of rugby: The realisation that life is for living, and go for it.

Favourite place to visit: Paris, it is "magnifique"

I love: Being a Geordie

I hate: Pulled up socks with shorts