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Steve Diamond has been let go by Newcastle Red Bulls just one match into the club’s new era.
Newcastle have dispensed with their director of rugby’s services with immediate effect, four days after they began the season with a 39-17 home loss against Saracens. Gregor Townsend has been heavily linked with an advisory role while Alan Dickens is set to step up on a short-term basis and lead the Red Bulls against Exeter this weekend.
Newcastle posted on X: “Today, Steve Diamond, Director of Rugby, is stepping down from his position. We would like to thank Steve for his passion, contribution, and guidance which have been instrumental in supporting the club throughout this important transition.”
The decision to relieve Diamond of his services now is a considerable shock given the number of signings he has made in the close season but there were always question marks as to whether he was the right fit for a club with such lofty ambitions following Red Bull’s takeover.
The energy drinks giant completed its takeover of Newcastle two months ago, bringing an end to a period of uncertainty, during which Diamond won many admirers for the manner in which he led the club. The club’s new owners have made little secret of the fact they want a world-class figurehead to take Newcastle forward but the surprise is that Diamond departs so soon into the new Prem season.
The former Sale director of rugby, who has made a name for himself operating on shoestring budgets, recruited a raft of new players over the summer including Liam Williams and Christian Wade, on one-year deals, promising that Newcastle would then make a flurry A-list signings. The expectation was that he would at least be given a season at the helm to prove he was the man to steer the Red Bulls into the new era.
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Instead, Diamond has been moved on with Red Bull interested in hiring Townsend. The 52-year-old signed a new contract with Scotland through to the end of the 2027 World Cup last month but was previously linked with a move to Kingston Park. Ronan O’Gara is another high-profile coach to be linked with Newcastle but has made clear his ambitions to make the move into the Test arena.
Diamond’s exit means two clubs are already on the lookout for new appointments so early in the season after Danny Wilson’s departure from Harlequins to join Wales was confirmed last month. Jason Gilmore has stepped up to lead the London side while they search for a long-term replacement.
Red Bull’s chief Oliver Mintzlaff had laid out the energy drink brand’s ambitions for the north-east club after the takeover on 12 August. “Together, we aim to elevate rugby to new heights and deliver unforgettable moments for our fans,” he said in a statement. “We’re delighted to have acquired Newcastle Red Bulls and look forward to empowering the club to reach its full competitive potential.”
