Red Bull emerges as potential buyer for Newcastle Falcons
The energy drinks giant has an investment portfolio that includes several sporting organisations around the world, including the Formula One team that bears its name and Bundesliga side RB Leipzig. It also has had an existing relationship with rugby union for some time through its sponsorship of individual players such as England wing Jack Nowell.
Sources indicated that funds could arrive in time for next season, offering scope for the Falcons squad to be bolstered ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.
Newcastle owner Semore Kurdi announced his intention to sell up in November before it became apparent that Premiership clubs and CVC had been planning a loan of around £4 million to keep Falcons afloat.
This latest development, first reported on Thursday by RugbyPass, comes with confirmation of a new, long-term broadcast deal between the Premiership and TNT Sports, which has been hailed as a boost for the league's long-term stability.
One senior source in the English game voiced the opinion that the Premiership has 'ridden an almighty storm and made significant progress towards fixing its foundations', which 'will help attract crucial investment'.
The Premiership final at Twickenham on June 14 is forecast to reach a sell-out over the coming days, hinting at unprecedented levels of interest.
Currently bottom of the Premiership with two wins this season, having experienced persistent turnover of players over recent years, Falcons are seen as a critical part of the English rugby union landscape. Should the Premiership's franchising plans accelerate, a geographical spread of clubs around the country will be vital.
Steve Diamond, the Falcons director of rugby, has made no secret of the feeling that Newcastle have been in a 'holding pattern'.
The departure of Callum Chick to Northampton Saints, announced last week, was just the latest example of Falcons seeing homegrown stars leave the club.
𝙏𝙃𝘼𝙉𝙆 𝙔𝙊𝙐, 𝘾𝙃𝙄𝘾𝙆𝙔
After 170 appearances over nine seasons, club captain Callum Chick will depart Newcastle Falcons at the end of the current campaign.
The 28-year-old back-rower heads down to Northampton Saints, insisting he takes nothing but fond memories from… pic.twitter.com/U7OrbaJ05c
— Newcastle Falcons (@FalconsRugby) May 6, 2025
Ben Redshaw, the highly-rated full-back, is heading to Gloucester over the summer, with hooker Jamie Blamire bound for Leicester Tigers.
It is thought that Newcastle will use any new funds to bolster their development pathways and give themselves greater leverage to keep these academy prospects on Tyneside.
'What we need to do is build it up and reinforce the academy first, perhaps bringing in eight senior players in the first year of the project,' said a source.
'Then we can go from there, aiming for established names in year two and beyond. Right now, those bigger names just aren't available.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
South Wales Argus
19 minutes ago
- South Wales Argus
Celebrations in store as Lionesses successfully defend European crown
England fans erupted with joy across the country as the team defended their Euros title in a penalty shootout win over Spain in the final in Basel, Switzerland, on Sunday. Chloe Kelly scored the winning spot-kick following two huge saves from goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, sending supporters in fan zones into raptures. The King said the team had the royal family's 'warmest appreciation and admiration' following their victory, adding: 'The next task is to bring home the World Cup in 2027 if you possibly can.' The Downing Street reception on Monday is due to be hosted by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and sports minister Stephanie Peacock. The team will then attend a homecoming celebration event on Tuesday, with a ceremony expected to take place outside Buckingham Palace. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer hailed the team's triumph, saying: 'The Lionesses have once again captured the hearts of the nation. 'Their victory is not only a remarkable sporting achievement, but an inspiration for young people across the country. 'It stands as a testament to the determination, resilience and unity that define this outstanding team.' There will be an open-top bus parade along the Mall before the ceremony at the Queen Victoria Memorial, the FA said. Fans can attend for free and it will be broadcast live on BBC, ITV, and Sky. However, it is understood Downing Street has no plans for a bank holiday to mark the Lionesses' triumph. Supporters stood on tables, waved flags, threw drinks in the air and excitedly hugged each other as England claimed victory, while the Prince of Wales and Sir Keir watched on from the stands in Basel. Congratulations to our valiant @Lionesses! 🦁🦁🦁 A message from The King following the team's victory at the Women's Euros 2025.#WEURO2025 — The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) July 27, 2025 Alessia Russo gave the Lionesses hope of retaining their Euros title with her second-half equaliser after Mariona Caldentey netted the opener for Spain in the 25th minute. In a statement posted on X after the game, Charles said: 'This brings you, your manager and all your support team my most heartfelt congratulations on winning the Euros 2025. 'For more years than I care to remember, England fans have sung that famous chant 'football's coming home'. 'As you return home with the trophy you won at Wembley three years ago, it is a source of great pride that, through sporting skill and awesome teamwork, the Lionesses have made those words ring true. 'For this, you have my whole family's warmest appreciation and admiration.' CHAMPIONS OF EUROPE! 🏴 — The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) July 27, 2025 The King added: 'More than that, though, you have shown through your example over past weeks that there are no setbacks so tough that defeat cannot be transformed into victory, even as the final whistle looms. 'Well done, Lionesses.' A picture of the Prince of Wales with his arm around his daughter Princess Charlotte was posted to X following the presentation of the trophy to the Lionesses, with the caption 'champions of Europe'. The pair congratulated the team in a short statement, saying: 'What a game! Lionesses, you are the champions of Europe and we couldn't be prouder of the whole team. Enjoy this moment England.' The statement was the first message Charlotte has personally signed on the Prince and Princess of Wales's X account. Tower Bridge was lit up in red and white following the Lionesses' victory, the City Bridge Foundation said. Sir Keir was the first to congratulate England on their win – posting on X: 'Champions! Congratulations Lionesses – what a team. What a game. What drama. Champions! Congratulations @Lionesses — what a team. What a game. What drama. You dug deep when it mattered most and you've made the nation proud. History makers. — Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) July 27, 2025 'You dug deep when it mattered most and you've made the nation proud. History makers.' William was spotted in the stands applauding and celebrating with those around him – including Princess Charlotte. As the presentation ceremony took place, the Prince of Wales was among those to congratulate star striker Michelle Agyemang on being named young player of the tournament. William exchanged words with Agyemang, appearing to say 'well played, fantastic, well done'. Agyemang, 19, who had one England cap before the tournament, scored crucial equalisers in the Lionesses' quarter-final and semi-final comebacks. There was non-stop applause in her home town of South Ockendon as fans saw the Arsenal forward step through a guard of honour to pick up her award. Supporters at her old club Brandon Groves AFC danced a conga line to the sounds of Vindaloo after England's victory. The club's vice-chairwoman, Paula Howes, said Agyemang will help give youngsters the 'motivation and drive' to progress from grassroots football to the top of the game. She said: 'I think she (Agyemang) has got that determination and that drive on the pitch, and the girls can connect with that. 'It is also knowing that she is a local girl as well, I think that helps give them the motivation and drive, to know that you can start at grassroots football and progress up to the higher level, if you work at it.' The National Autistic Society congratulated their ambassador Lucy Bronze on the Lionesses victory, adding: 'We hope she has inspired the next generation of autistic girls to follow their dreams.' Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy also gave her reaction to the win, saying: 'What an absolutely extraordinary achievement by our Lionesses – once again they have made history and united the country with pride and joy.' England's path to the final was marked by late drama. They sealed their spot with a last-gasp extra-time win over Italy, following a penalty shootout victory against Sweden in the quarter-finals after nearly crashing out in extra time.
The Independent
19 minutes ago
- The Independent
Business news live: FTSE 100 to open near record high and latest bitcoin price after fall
The FTSE 100 rose to new highs once again last week, tipping the scales well above 9,100 points after a particularly strong day on Thursday which saw the likes of BT Group rise ten per cent. The British companies index is up more than 11 per cent this year, outpacing the key US benchmarks. Meanwhile, key upcoming UK economy data this week includes mortgage approvals and the Nationwide House Price Index. Additionally, there is likely to be more news emerging on how the government may tackle pension reform, amid debate over what age the state pension should be and whether the tax relief rate on pension contributions may be altered. In other markets, bitcoin fell towards the end of last week, from the highs above $123,000 down to around $115,000, with gold also retreating as investors took a risk-on approach once more.
Daily Mail
20 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
THREE WISE MEN: Epic second Test might just have saved Australia's future as a Lions destination (and avoiding a whitewash would help Wallabies, too)!
The Lions' incredible comeback to win the second Test against Australia and clinch the 2025 series will live long in the memory of all who watched it. Here, former Scotland captains ANDY NICOL and JASON WHITE join Mail Sport's deputy chief sports writer CALUM CROWE to discuss Australia's future as a Lions destination, Finn Russell 's place in the pantheon of Scottish rugby greats, and what we can expect from Andy Farrell's selection for the third and final Test in Sydney on Saturday. Q - What a comeback. What a Test match. What are your overall thoughts on how it panned out?
