Newcastle Red Bulls set to bring in Scotland boss after brutal Steve Diamond dismissal
Scotland coach Gregor Townsend (inset) and ex-Newcastle Red Bulls boss Steve Diamond.
Newcastle Red Bulls have announced changes to their management structure after sacking director of rugby Steve Diamond following their opening game of the Prem Rugby season.
The decision to part ways with Diamond was made on Wednesday after Newcastle Red Bulls kicked off their Prem Rugby campaign with a 39-17 defeat against Saracens at their Kingston Park headquarters last Friday night.
His departure will be offset by the arrival of Neil McIlroy, who will join Newcastle‘s ranks as their sporting general manager while Alan Dickens, who was serving as the club’s senior coach, will take over the reins as head coach.
Diamond, who previously had stints in charge of Sale Sharks and Worcester Warriors, joined Newcastle at the start of 2024 as consultant director of rugby.
The 56-year-old, who is renowned for his no-nonsense approach, did well to rebuild Newcastle’s squad, despite limited options, after Red Bull’s takeover of the club in August.
Gregor Townsend joining on a part-time basis
Meanwhile, John Fletcher and Jonny Petrie will also join Newcastle Red Bulls’ management as academy and pathways director and managing director respectively while Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend is reportedly joining the Prem Rugby outfit’s ranks on a part-time basis.
According to various reports, Townsend, who confirmed last month that he will remain as Scotland boss until the end of the 2027 Rugby World Cup – after penning a new contract with the Scottish Rugby Union – will join Newcastle’s ranks as an adviser, although his appointment was not confirmed by the club.
“Newcastle Red Bulls are making 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,” read a statement from the Prem Rugby outfit.
“The current director of rugby, Steve Diamond, is today stepping down from his position. Everyone at Newcastle Red Bulls would like to thank Steve Diamond for his passion, contribution and guidance, which have been instrumental in supporting the club throughout this important transition.
“From November 1st, rugby operations of the club will be led by Neil McIlroy, who will join the Newcastle Red Bulls as sporting general manager, responsible for overseeing all rugby management activities within the club.
“McIlroy brings a strong track record of driving competitive excellence, most recently as sporting director at the Catalan Dragons and general manager ASM Clermont.
New position for Alan Dickens
“Alan Dickens, senior coach of Newcastle Red Bulls since 2024, will take on the role of head coach, reporting directly to McIlroy.
“John Fletcher, the current head of pathways at SRU and previous head of England Under 18s will join Newcastle Red Bulls as academy and pathways director from 1st December.
“The development of local talent into world class players is a priority for the club and this position will see Fletcher focus on building a high-performing academy team and driving player and coach development across the region.
The club also announced that Jonny Petrie will take up the position of managing director from October 6th.
“Petrie will be responsible for the long-term off-field success of the Newcastle Red Bulls, bringing a wealth of experience from his time as CEO of Ulster Rugby and as managing director of Edinburgh Rugby,” it read.
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