BLAYDON have moved swiftly to appoint Micky Ward as their Director of Rugby the day after the Newcastle Falcons legend bowed out of Kingston Park with a testimonial game.

The 32-year-old prop, who has done some coaching at his home club, Wallsend, will continue to play in his new role, in which he takes over from Tom Rock, who resigned after two seasons with Blaydon.

Ward assembled a North-East Barbarians side for his testimonial game to take on a Falcons Past and Present XV, who included Gary Armstrong, Tom May and Jamie Noon, and won 78-19.

Ward was the first player to be taken into the Falcons' academy at the age of 17 and had been a full-time member of the playing staff for 13 years.

Blaydon feel they have made progress under Rock, a Yorkshireman who played at scrum half and centre. But after standing fifth in National One in January they suffered eight successive defeats and needed the home in against Otley in their penultimate game to ensure they avoided relegation.

Blaydon secretary Jim Huxley said: "We are excited about bringing Micky on board with his wealth of experience in playing and coaching. He's a level-three coach and will continue his association with the Falcons in a coaching capacity."

Blaydon also hope that Ward's appointment will strengthen their links with the Falcons, from whom they had back-row man Ed Williamson on loan for a brief period.