Unlike many other cross-code converts of the period, Tait had the benefit of growing up in Cumbria, where his father, Alan Senior, was playing for Workington Town.
[3] However, Tait played Union first and made his Test début for Scotland in the inaugural 1987 World Cup held in New Zealand where, he came on after seven minutes as a replacement in a 20–20 draw with France in Christchurch.
[8] Alan Tait played fullback in Widnes' 24–18 victory over Salford in the 1990 Lancashire Cup Final during the 1990–91 season at Central Park, Wigan on Saturday 29 September 1990.
Alan Tait played fullback in Widnes' 6-12 defeat by Wigan in the 1988–89 John Player Special Trophy Final during the 1988–89 season at Burnden Park, Bolton on Saturday 7 January 1989,[9] and played fullback, and scored a try in the 24-0 victory over Leeds in the 1991–92 Regal Trophy Final during the 1991–92 season at Central Park, Wigan on Saturday 11 January 1992.
This was due to coach Ian McGeechan believing that Tait would add extra defensive capabilities to the backline over the other wingers, in what would be a tight test series.
Many saw their pairing as instrumental in Scotland's good performances of the time and allowing stand-off Gregor Townsend to exploit gaps in the opposition defence.
[11] Tait then moved back to the Falcons as an assistant before assuming the top job at the Premiership club as part of a restructuring process in the wake of Steve Bates' departure from the post of director of rugby in 2009.
He held the position of Head Coach of Newcastle from 2009 to 2012 until club owner, Semore Kurdi announced Tait was 'taking a break from rugby' following a series of poor results.