NEWCASTLE have confirmed that Dean Richards will take over as the club's new director of rugby when his 'Bloodgate' suspension expires in August.

The former Leicester and Harlequins boss revealed he had received a number of offers from Aviva Premiership clubs but he was convinced by the ambition of Falcons' owner Semore Kurdi.

Richards has committed to joining Newcastle even if the club, who are currently bottom of the Premiership, are relegated.

"I am delighted to get the opportunity to join Newcastle Falcons," Richards told the club's website.

"Whilst there was interest from other clubs, there are two reasons why I chose the Falcons - the supporters and Semore Kurdi's ambition for the club.

"I met up with Semore and his vision made my mind up.

Richards' ban expires on August 19 and he will then take over from Gary Gold, who was appointed on a short-term deal by the Falcons in January.

The 48-year-old guided Leicester to four Premiership titles and two Heineken Cup crowns before taking Harlequins from the Championship into the last eight in Europe.

The 'Bloodgate' scandal erupted in 2009 after Harlequins' wing Tom Williams used a fake blood capsule to feign injury in their 6-5 Heineken Cup quarter-final defeat to Leinster.

Richards is serving a three-year ban for his role in the scandal which rocked rugby.