Steve Bates has replaced Jon Fletcher as coach of Newcastle Falcons, the Guinness Premiership club has announced.

Newcastle confirmed on Tuesday that they had parted company with Fletcher and forwards coach Peter Walton and said the decision had been made by mutual consent.

Former England scrum-half Bates, the Falcons' coaching and technical director, will take charge until the end of the season and will be assisted by Ian Peel.

"I would like to place on record my thanks to John and Peter, and to wish them well for the future," said Falcons chairman Dave Thompson.

"Coaching and technical director, Steve Bates, will take charge of team affairs on an interim basis until the end of the season, assisted by Ian Peel."

Bates was part of the Falcons' coaching staff during their 1997-8 Premiership-winning campaign and 2001 Tetley's Bitter Cup triumph.

He rejoined the club last summer after a three-year stint in Scotland with the now-disbanded Border Reivers.

Bates also coached Scotland 'A' to Churchill Cup victory over England in 2006 before returning to Kingston Park.

This season Bates has been head coach of the England Saxons side and has enjoyed a 100 per cent record to-date.

Despite a backline that boasts England internationals Jonny Wilkinson, Toby Flood, Jamie Noon and Matthew Tait, as well as All Black prop Carl Hayman, the Falcons are languishing in 10th spot in the table.

Terence O'Rorke / Eurosport