Takeover set to give Newcastle Falcons wiiings

A high-profile rugby union club takeover is set for completion.

Red Bull is primed to officially seal a deal for Newcastle Falcons.

Reports suggest the move will see the Gallagher Prem side renamed Newcastle Red Bulls.

Insiders have described the deal – which is set to be finalised in the coming days – as a new chapter for the Kingston Park club, which finished bottom of last season’s English top tier.

The agreement will add another sporting club to the energy drink maker’s commercial portfolio, which already includes Formula One teams Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls, German football club RB Leipzig and US Major League Soccer side New York Red Bulls.

The takeover comes as bosses continue to make additions to the Falcons’ playing staff ahead of next season.

Those moves have seen hooker George McGuigan return to Tyneside after spells with Gloucester and Welsh side Ospreys, and players including back-row Ollie Leatherbarrow, centre Connor Doherty and lock-forwards Finn Baker and John Hawkins sign fresh deals with the club.

The Falcons’ 2025/2026 season is set to begin on September 12, with a home Premiership Rugby Cup tie against Harlequins.

League action will get underway on September 26, with Saracens the visitors to Kingston Park.

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