International scrum-half to join Newcastle Red Bulls with statement signing expecting to bring ‘energy’

Newcastle Red Bulls have confirmed the signing of Raffi Quirke from Sale Sharks, with the 24-year-old scrum-half set to join in the summer on a two-year deal.

Having come through their academy, Quirke has played 80 games during his seven seasons with Sale and been capped twice by England. Initially an understudy to Faf de Klerk, he has since made the shirt his own under Alex Sanderson.

“Massively excited about the new journey”

Speaking about his arrival on Tyneside ahead of the 2025/26 season, Quirke said: “Having been up to visit Newcastle and listen to their vision, I could only be massively excited about the new journey they are all on with Red Bull.

“I want to be part of that new story, and I look forward to bringing my energy and attacking mindset to a club that deserves to be shaking up the old rugby order for the fans in the North East.

“I will be forever grateful to Alex Sanderson at Sale Sharks, as well as the club, the players and supporters there. It has been an amazing experience that has shaped me on and off the pitch.”

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Newcastle Red Bulls sporting general manager Neil McIlroy said: “Raffi is one of the most exciting talents in English rugby, and is approaching his peak years.

“He will help take our attack onto the next level with the way he plays the game and the experience he has built up, despite still being only 24.

“It’s another statement signing which reiterates how serious we are about taking this club to the next level, and he knows how important rugby is to the north of England.

“Having already had a taste of international rugby, I am sure he will be hoping to showcase his talents to achieve further recognition, and he certainly has the ability to do that as part of an ambitious Newcastle squad.”

Quirke will join other stars, such as Exeter Chiefs’ Rusi Tuima and Josh Hodge, in arriving at the club in the summer along with Argentina lock Franco Molina, All Black international Hoskins Sotutu and Northampton Saints PREM winner Elliot Millar Mills.

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