Newcastle Red Bulls have dispensed with the services of director of rugby Steve Diamond with Scotland coach Gregor Townsend[1] set to join as a part-time consultant and advisor.
Diamond’s position had been under threat earlier this summer once Newcastle’s takeover by the Austrian energy drink giants had been completed.
After initial uncertainty had been replaced by indications Diamond would be in place for this season, Red Bull bosses have now decided to remove the experienced boss from his position just one game into the 2025/26 PREM Rugby campaign.
It’s a move that must be considered a huge shock given its timing.
Townsend had previously been linked with Newcastle as a direct replacement for Diamond. But although he has re-signed to stay with Scotland through to the 2027 World Cup, the former fly-half is now poised to also become a part of the Kingston Park outfit. Townsend will work with Newcastle around his Scotland role and be on hand to offer input in non-international periods.
It is understood Townsend will help Red Bull on ‘strategy and philosophy’ at Newcastle as the club aims to build a top-of-the-range high-performance entity.
Newcastle Red Bulls have sacked director of rugby Steve Diamond one match into the season
Red Bull bosses are set to bring in Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend as an advisor
Newcastle’s confirmation of Diamond’s departure on Wednesday made no reference to Townsend, but did confirm Alan Dickens has been promoted to head coach. Dickens’ first game in charge will be at Exeter on Saturday.
Sources in Scotland have indicated Scottish Rugby are happy with Townsend to take on his role with Red Bull, indicating he will only do so for 30 days a year maximum.
Newcastle said Diamond’s departure was one of ‘several changes to the management structure to reflect the club’s deep and lasting commitment to developing local rugby talent through a strengthened academy program, delivering a world class fan experience and achieving sporting excellence for years to come.’
From November 1, Neil McIlroy will be Newcastle’s sporting general manager and responsible for all rugby activities at the club. McIlroy has had similar roles at rugby league side Catalan Dragons and French TOP14 club ASM Clermont.
Dickens will report to McIlroy.
Red Bull see Newcastle’s academy as a key area for improvement, so have hired John Flether as academy and pathways director from December 1.
Flether is currently with the Scottish Rugby Union and was previously very highly regarded for his work with England’s age-grade sides, helping to produce a golden generation of players. Newcastle’s final appointment is Jonny Petrie, who will take up the position of managing director from October 6.
Petrie has previously been chief executive at Ulster and managing director of Edinburgh.
References
- ^ Gregor Townsend (www.dailymail.co.uk)