AFTER confirming the double departure of Joe Shaw and James Grindal yesterday, Newcastle Falcons have finalised deals for young Kelso duo Grant Shiells and Michael Tait.
Scotland Under20s prop Shiells and Under-19s centre Tait have signed full-time, two-year deals and are already training at Kingston Park.
Young centre Tait is the son of defence coach Alan Tait, while Shiells joins Newcastle straight from the IRB Under-20s World Championships in Japan.
Warmly remembered for his swan-dive try in the 2004 Powergen Cup final win, Shaw leaves Kingston Park headed for Hong Kong to take up a player-coach role, while scrum-half Grindal is returning to former club Leicester Tigers.
Ever the community stalwart, Shaw blistered through the England age groups and the Sale academy before a stint at Northampton.
Becoming a utility back over the years after breaking through on the wing, it was Shaw’s celebration in the act of scoring in that final that will stick in the mind of many.
After tearing knee ligaments two years ago Shaw found opportunities at first-team level hard to come by last season and has chosen to take up a dual role overseas.
With five years’ coaching experience under his belt at Westoe – having helped them win promotion to the National Leagues for the first time last term – Shaw looks well-placed to forge a strong coaching career while continuing his playing commitments.
Grindal meanwhile returns to the club where he made his name after switching allegiances from Coventry, and will compete with Harry Ellis and Ben Youngs for a starting berth in the wake of Julien Dupuy’s Stade Francais move.
“Grant and Michael are quite rightly regarded as two of the best young players in Scotland,” said Falcons rugby director Steve Bates, reflecting on a busy few days at the club.
“So naturally we are delighted that both of them have decided to come to Newcastle.
“Grant showed during the Under-20s World Cup what a destructive prop forward he can be, whilst Michael’s physicality and running ability in the centres will make him another good acquisition for us.
“Both players are young and still have plenty of learning to do, but this is a great environment in which to do that, and for them to realise their full potential.
“As for the two men who are leaving, they both go with our best wishes.
“James has always been an excellent professional in his attitude to playing and training, and we wish him every success back at Leicester.
“With the emergence of Micky Young last season and Hall Charlton having signed a new contract we remain very well catered for at scrum half, and we will look to bring in the appropriate level of cover for when Hall and Micky are unavailable.”
“Joe has always been a very positive presence around the club, but with limited opportunities for game time last season we both felt that a fresh start was the best option.
“As well as his efforts on the field Joe has also been a fantastic ambassador for the club with his outstanding work in the community, and I’m sure all Falcons supporters will join me in wishing him all the best for the future.”
