Newcastle to drop part of name and adopt Red Bull once takeover is completed
Newcastle Falcons will be rebranded to the Newcastle Red Bulls from next season as the energy drinks company close in on their takeover of the Premiership Rugby side.
The process still needs the green light from the Rugby Football Union (RFU) and for lawyers to complete the deal, but Newcastle players and staff have been informed that Red Bull has agreed terms with Semore Kurdi, the former chairman.
Red Bull have impressed with their vision, which includes them taking on Newcastle's debt. Included in that figure is a Covid loan of nearly £14.5million, reports the Telegraph. They also want to retain their academy products and make the club an attractive destination for players.
Newcastle finished bottom of the Premiership table last season after two wins from 18 league matches. Their ambitions have not been aided by them constantly seeing their best players leave for pastures new.
Jamie Blamire, the England hooker, has joined Leicester Tigers and former captain Callum Chick has headed to Northampton Saints. Last season Adam Radwan left mid-term for Welford Road and Guy Pepper, one of their most impressive academy players, is now impressing at English champions Bath.
Newcastle chief Kurdi is no longer willing to bankroll Newcastle, having put in around £25m since 2011. In the past there had been talks over a loan from the other Premiership clubs and CVC Capital Partners to help keep the club going.
Kurdi was also unable to attract investment from the Saudi Public Investment Fund, which owns the city's football club. But they had no interest in also purchasing the rugby team despite those in the Middle East thought to be keen on involving themselves in the rugby landscape.
Red Bull though have now swooped in and Newcastle will join their portfolio of sporting outfits. Their most well known brand is their Formula 1 team but they also own football clubs such as FC Red Bull Salzburg and RB Leipzig and are a minority investor in Leeds United. Red Bull has also been a partner of England Rugby since 2020.
The drinks brand are also involved with several of rugby's biggest names. They have individual sponsorship arrangements with Jack Nowell, Mack Hansen and Siya Kolisi.
Teams owned by Red Bull nearly always adopt the brand's name with the MLS side, the New York Red Bulls, another example of this. The one and only time Newcastle were champions of England was back in 1998.
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