And twice in those four years Russell had national coaching appointments with the national divisional and Heartland sides, who toured Fiji and Argentina respectively while in more recent times he has been assistant coach of the Highlanders Super 15 team.
The Russell coaching doctrine is a simple one. He is adamant that getting the basics right has to be the number one priority and, once that is achieved, teams can start thinking outside the square.
"It's really important to ensure the guys believe in themselves and their abilities and to give them opportunities to express themselves on and off the field with decision-making," he has been quoted as saying.
On his decision to take up the Newcastle Falcons job, Russell said he would have preferred to stay in New Zealand but felt he had put too much time and energy into his coaching career to walk away from the professional game. He is unsure how long he will stay in England but said he would love to return to this country should the chance to coach at Super level present itself again.
Two former Hurricanes players, Jimmy Gopperth and Tane Tu'ipulotu, are part of the Falcons squad along with Jamie Helleur, who played in midfield for the Blues.
Director of rugby at the Falcons is Dean Richards, a notable performer for England in his playing days.
