RETIRED Falcon Russell Winter has turned down the chance to coach Blaydon and will return to South Africa.
The 33-year-old former South Africa A captain retired at the end of the season after 51 Falcons appearances, most notably captaining the side to European Challenge Cup victory in Brive.
His inspirational leadership qualities came to the fore that night, and again all this last term, where allied to his Falcons playing commitments, he coached the Westoe pack and helped the Shieldsmen to the North One title and into the National Leagues for the first time.
Winter told The Journal on announcing his retirement he was keen to stay in the North East and continue coaching, but he is now set to return to his native South Africa for family reasons.
Blaydon club secretary Jim Huxley said negotiations were going well with Winter, but then the likeable South African had a change of heart.
“We met with Russell several times and he really impressed us,” said Huxley. “He set out his vision for the future of the club and what he would want to do in the role, and it was exactly what we wanted. We took things quite far, but when it came to the decision time, sadly he changed his mind quite late-on.
“It was a family decision, and we totally respect and understand that, and wish him all the best for the future.”
Winter’s decision leaves Blaydon back at square one in the Nick Gandy replacement stakes and Huxley said the club are taking applications for the role once again.
“What we would want in an ideal world would be someone like Russell, who could have played as well as being rugby director,” said Huxley. “He had retired from top-flight rugby, but we know he could have done a good job for us, both as player and coach, and if we can get someone who can offer both, then we can offer a suitable package for that.
“We’ve had a couple of applications already this week in light of what has happened, and we will be considering any new ones, of course.
“Hopefully, we can get something sorted out quickly, because it is certainly a matter of urgency now. We have to act quickly.”
