Newcastle Falcons have confirmed that head coach Peter Russell will leave the club at the end of the season for "personal reasons".

The Australian joined Newcastle in 2012 before helping them gain promotion back to the Aviva Premiership in his first year in charge.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my two years with Newcastle Falcons with the highlight of my time in the North-East being the Championship final victory over Bedford," Russell told the club's official website.

"The hardy Falcons supporters have been very welcoming and warm towards me during my time here and I am grateful for that."

Newcastle are currently in 11th place in the Aviva Premiership table, nine points above bottom-placed Worcester Warriors.