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Newcastle Red Bulls Sack Steve Diamond as Red Bull Installs New Leadership

Red Bull accelerates a restructure that prioritizes professional infrastructure, player pathways and a defined advisory remit for Gregor Townsend.

Overview

  • Director of rugby Steve Diamond departed one game into the Premiership season, days after a 39-17 home loss to Saracens, with the club issuing a brief thanks for his role during transition.
  • Senior coach Alan Dickens is promoted to head coach immediately, reporting to incoming sporting general manager Neil McIlroy, who starts on 1 November after roles at Clermont and Catalans Dragons.
  • Former Ulster CEO and Edinburgh managing director Jonny Petrie becomes managing director on 6 October, while John Fletcher joins on 1 December to lead the academy and pathways.
  • Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend will advise Red Bull on global rugby strategy for 30 days per year in a non-executive capacity, with the SRU stating work will be outside international windows under safeguards.
  • Red Bull completed its takeover in August and has targeted long-term development alongside recruitment, with recent additions including Christian Wade and Liam Williams as Newcastle visit Exeter on Saturday.