In a dual role, he will be a national academy coach focusing on developing young back row players, as well as being assistant coach for the England U18 squad where he will work with former Falcons head coach John Fletcher, who joined the RFU on July 1.

Walton will report to the head of elite coach development Kevin Bowring, who said: “Peter is an excellent coach and our aim will be to further develop his skills within the Academy and England U18 set-up as we have done with other coaches, including Graham Rowntree, who has recently been promoted into a senior coaching role with England.”

Walton said: “This is an excellent opportunity for me to continue my development as a coach, work with young players, which I have always enjoyed doing, and to link up again with John Fletcher.

“The elite rugby department under Rob Andrew is a great set-up and I’m looking forward to working within a facility that offers so much to young players including excellent diet, nutrition and medical advice.”

Elite rugby director Andrew added: “Peter has a lot he can offer to both the academy and the England U18 squad and has already shown his skills in the development of players such as Ben Woods and David Wilson at Newcastle Falcons.

“He has also played in two Rugby World Cups with Scotland and been part of a coaching team that has won the national knockout cup.”