Red Bull gives you... A P45

Written by Matt Brown

RED BULL GIVES YOU……..A P45

Gallagher Premiership side Newcastle Red Bulls have today announced the departure of Director of Rugby Steve Diamond.

Diamond joined Newcastle as a consultant in January 2024 before making the shift to DoR shortly after and ultimately led the club through one of their more turbulent times. The club finished 10^th under his stewardship last season after picking up two wins from their 18 games; both at home against Exeter and Saracens

Meanwhile the Austrian energy drink giants purchased the club over the summer and instantly the writing appeared to be on the wall for ‘Dimes’ as rumours began to circulate that Scotland coach Gregor Townsend would be taking over however the Scot extended his deal with his home nation until 2027 which seemed originally to ease pressure on Diamond going into a new season.

Today however the club have announced his departure following Friday nights 17-39 defeat at the hands of Saracens.

It may come as a shock to many that Diamond wasn’t given more time by the club considering the way he had began to steady the ship of a side who for the last few years have been the regular easy win in the Premiership but for others it’s potentially a case of surprise it didn’t happen sooner with the idea Red Bull will want to bring in their own man (often the case in other sports such as football).

As it stands, it is likely that senior coach Alan Dickens will be promoted to head coach although for how long remains to be seen. There is also fresh rumours that the earlier mentioned Gregor Townsend will become an advisor at the club.

It’s unlikely Steve Diamond will be out of the game for long as one of the countries more experienced coaches with a personality known for striving to get the best out of players through a style of that play that features plenty of grit and physicality, he’ll more than likely end up with plenty of offers on the table including that of media work.

Newcastle’s season continues away to Exeter at Sandy Park on Saturday afternoon in a game the hosts will be targeting as a way to lay down a marker for the season after their 33 all draw away at Northampton Saints in the previous round.