Red Bull complete takeover of Premiership strugglers Newcastle
The Kingston Park-based club, who were established in 1877 as Gosforth Football Club, have struggled in recent years, finishing bottom of the standings in the last three Premiership seasons in a row.
"Red Bull's investment in Newcastle is a very positive development and demonstrates the confidence in and potential of the (Premiership)," Rugby Football Union (RFU) CEO Bill Sweeney said in a statement.
"We've been pleased to support the club, the league and Red Bull in the process which will be the first major new investment in a Prem club since 2016."
Several Premiership clubs have financially struggled in recent years, with Wasps, Worcester Warriors and London Irish being put into administration in 2022 and 2023, while Championship side Jersey Reds disbanded.
Red Bull owns two of the 10 Formula One teams and has invested in soccer clubs across the globe, but this is their first acquisition of a rugby side.
"We're delighted to have acquired Newcastle Red Bulls and look forward to empowering the club to reach its full competitive potential," said Oliver Mintzlaff, Red Bull's CEO for corporate projects and investments.
Newcastle, who won the Premiership in 1998, begin their league campaign on September 26 when they host Saracens.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
BBC News
2 minutes ago
- BBC News
One-Day Cup - Surrey suffer record loss to Essex
Surrey suffered a record One-Day Cup defeat as Essex thumped them by 244 runs at asked the hosts to bat first and watched Essex rack up 417-6 with Ireland all-rounder Curtis Campher hitting a career-best 123 off only 68 balls on debut. Then young 19-year-old Charlie Bennett took 5-36 as Surrey were bowled out for 171 with 12.2 overs to Rapids went top of Group A with a four-wicket win away to Derbyshire Falcons, while Hampshire moved into the top three with a commanding seven-wicket success over Leicestershire Group B, Middlesex made it three wins in a row with a 28-run win over Warwickshire in a maiden List A century from Northamptonshire Steelbacks' James Sales was the foundation of their 150-run victory at Durham. Group A - Campher makes instant impact Previously winless Essex were asked to bat at a sun-baked Chelmsford, and promptly smashed an inexperienced Surrey attack to all parts for their record One-Day Critchley made 58 at the top of the order and Luc Benkenstein hit 83, but it was the partnership between Campher and Simon Harmer that provided the added 175 in under 16 overs as Campher, in the first of just three games for Essex in this competition, walloped 12 fours and six sixes in his highest-ever List A score off only 68 balls, with Harmer equalling his best in this format with were never in a position to threaten Essex's mammoth total with Cameron Steel's 49 the only modicum of took 5-36 in only his fourth game at this level as Essex put a seal on their remarkable 244-run result was record defeat for Surrey in the competition, and they sit second bottom of Group A with one win from four are now top of the group with three wins and a tie, but they were under pressure when Derbyshire's Caleb Jewell and Matthew Montgomery were the grounds of Repton School, their 150-run partnership took them to 196-1 in the 32nd Australian Jewell went for 113 and Montgomery eight short of his century as Derbyshire slipped to 315 all out, crucially with 17 balls not used up as Ben Allison and Khurram Shahzad claimed three wickets Rapids were soon 11-2, but Brett D'Oliveira and Jake Libby (69) turned things around with a stand of 183.D'Oliveira was eventually out for a personal-best score of 138 off 118 balls to leave Worcestershire 272-5, but 19-year-old Daniel Lategan on debut steered his side home on 42 not out by four wickets with 11 balls to made it three wins out of four with a strong display to see off Leicestershire Foxes at the Rose visitors batted first, but were kept in check by some fine bowling from South Africa seamer Kyle Abbott up top as he eventually finished with Budinger (65), Shan Masood (57) and Ben Cox (55) all passed 50, but the Foxes were eventually bowled out for 252 in the penultimate reply, a magnificent opening stand of 202 between Ali Orr and captain Nick Gubbins set up the went for 81, and although Orr perished for a terrific 131 in sight of the winning line, Hampshire completed their seven-wicket success with 6.3 overs to spare. Group B - Hollman spins Middlesex to win Middlesex's momentum in this competition continues to grow with a third win in six days as they moved level on points with Yorkshire and Somerset at the top of Group was not going to plan at halfway after batting first against Warwickshire as they were bowled out for 217, with Jake Lintott taking 5-37 with his left-arm spin. But it was a sign of things to come as Luke Hollman's best figures of 4-27 led the way, as the hosts lost seven wickets to spin to be all out for 189Middlesex captain Ben Geddes was the top scorer in that match with 48, only two days after his side had enjoyed a record run-chase in the One-Day Cup of 390-5. After being on the end of that chase, Durham suffered another damaging home decided to bat first at Banks Homes Riverside and finished on a more than respectable Sales made 117 - his first century in this format and smashing his previous top score of 35 not out - as he shared century stands of 119 with New Zealand batter Tim Robinson (63) and 102 with Justin Broad (59).That total proved more than enough for the Steelbacks as two wickets each for Luke Procter and Luke Guthrie reduced Durham to there, the innings subsided with Durham eventually out for 171 in only the 32nd was a first win in the competition for Northants but a bad result for the hosts, who missed the chance to go level on points with the teams at the top of the group.
The Sun
2 minutes ago
- The Sun
Why are all Premier League teams wearing black armbands this weekend?
EVERY Premier League team will be wearing black armbands in their opening match this weekend. All the clubs have come together in support, and will pay their respects with a moment of silence before kick-off. 2 Why are all Premier League teams wearing black armbands? Premier League teams across the country will be wearing black armbands on the opening weekend in tribute to Diogo Jota and his brother Andre, who passed away earlier this summer. Jota's death shocked the football world, with tributes pouring in throughout pre-season. The Liverpool forward, who signed for the club from Wolves in 2020, died at the age of 28 in a car crash alongside his brother. At last Sunday's Community Shield, a heartfelt tribute was held in his memory. Liverpool legend Ian Rush, FA chair Debbie Hewitt, and Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish laid wreaths on the pitch in front of the Reds' supporters. As they did, fans joined together for an emotional rendition of "You'll Never Walk Alone". A minute's silence was also observed before kick-off to honour Jota and his brother. Both Liverpool and Crystal Palace wore black armbands for the match in his memory - and they'll do so again this weekend alongside all of the other teams. 2 What Premier League matches are on this weekend? Friday, August 15 8pm: Liverpool vs Bournemouth Saturday, August 16 12:30pm: Aston Villa vs Newcastle United 3pm: Brighton vs Fulham 3pm: Nottingham Forest vs Brentford 3pm: Sunderland vs West Ham United 3pm: Tottenham Hotspur vs Burnley 3pm: Wolves vs Manchester City Sunday, August 17 2pm: Chelsea vs Crystal Palace 4.30pm: Manchester United vs Arsena Monday, August 18
The Sun
2 minutes ago
- The Sun
Man Utd files: Red Devils chiefs give up on Carlos Baleba transfer as all eyes turn to Viktor Gyokeres vs Benjamin Sesko
VIKTOR GYOKERES will be playing at Old Trafford on Sunday – and many expected it would be his permanent home this summer. Ever since Ruben Amorim's appointment was confirmed at Manchester United back in the autumn, the Swede was linked to the Red Devils. 8 8 And that only heated up as the Portuguese boss struggled to get goals from his team over the final months of last season. Amorim's admiration for his former Sporting Lisbon striker has always been clear – but United's interest in him never really got off the ground. Word came back early on that Gyokeres had set his heart on a move to Arsenal this summer so United switched their attention elsewhere. Amorim insists he is delighted to have landed Benjamin Sesko – who he believes will be United's main forward for many years to come. The United boss has had just five working days to bond with Sesko, who has only played against the under-21s in a United shirt, so a start against Arteta's Gunners might be too big an ask. But with Rasmus Hojlund on the verge of joining AC Milan on loan and Mason Mount playing as a false No9 last time out - Sesko might have to be deployed instantly. Opponents Arsenal tracked 6ft 5in Sesko for a very long time, a move seeming nailed on amid the Sporting-Gyokeres transfer saga. In the end, the North London club got Gyokeres over the line. The strikers offer a similar profile, with Arsenal's new star a more traditional, powerful target man, while Sesko combines physicality with greater mobility. The Sweden international has scored over 100 goals for club and country over the past two seasons - more than Sesko has yet managed in his career. Wayne Rooney reveals gang of masked thugs turned up at his home after row with Sir Alex Ferguson over Man Utd exit But he is 27. A signing for the here and the now who has already shown what he's capable of with a glancing header in Arsenal's rampant 3-0 pre-season win over Athletic Club. Sesko's goal output might not be as impressive as Gyokeres', but his 39 goals for RB Leipzig in all competitions over the past two seasons means he's Europe's highest goalscorer of players under 23 in that time. 8 CARL IT QUITS ANOTHER player who Amorim admires is Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba – who has been linked with a switch to Old Trafford over recent weeks. However there is an acceptance at United that the Cameroon will not be moving to them this summer. The asking price from the Seagulls is simply too hot for the Red Devils, who have splashed out more than £200million on their forward line this summer. Baleba is believed to fancy the move though – so watch this space in 12 months time. 8 SESK ON FIRE BENJAMIN SESKO'S agent has confirmed he held talks with several other clubs before sealing the dream switch to Manchester United. Newcastle's interest was well documented – while there were reports in Spain that Barcelona were keen on the £74million Slovenian. Now Elvis Basanovic – whose Pro Transfer Agency have guided him through out his career – has spoken about a hectic few weeks. But he admits all their efforts will be worthwhile when he sets foot on the Old Trafford turf for the first time this weekend. Basanovic said: 'It's been a tough summer. The story dragged on for a long time, including talks with other clubs. 'There was a lot of work, travel, stress and little sleep but in the end, it was worth it for something extraordinary. 'I couldn't wait to see Benjamin walk into the Theatre of Dreams.' The agent hopes Sesko's story will inspire other young players from their tiny nation to aim for the very top. He added: 'Benjamin proved that even from small Slovenia, you can achieve big things. 'I hope other young players there will dream big, work hard and realise amazing goals.' 8 SIGN OF THE TIMES RUBEN AMORIM'S new signings have captured the imagination of their supporters this summer. Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko hope to add the goals and a bit of excitement that were sadly lacking last year. Meanwhile popular club captain and talisman Bruno Fernandes has chosen to stay despite strong interest from Saudi Arabia in May. Yet club legend Rio Ferdinand revealed it was a different name that supporters wanted on their backs during the tour of North America this summer. Former skipper and centre back Harry Maguire was the most popular name – according to Rio, who interviewed the England defender this week. 8 THIS IS THE ONE UNITED are doing all they can to improve the atmosphere at the Theatre of Dreams this summer. Not surprisingly, given the lack of excitement and goals, things were a little flat for Prem games last season. Now The Red Army fan group have requested the music is turned off 15 minutes before kick off to allow supporters to crank up the noise. The same request has been made for the minutes after a home win – when regulars are currently treated to 'Glory Glory Man United'. The Old Trafford faithful have been given the chance to fill in a survey to make their feelings known on the matter ahead of the curtain raiser against Arsenal. Organisers have made it clear they still want two traditional pre-match favourites to remain – no matter what the outcome. 'Country Roads' by John Denver and Stone Roses Classic 'This is the One' will continue to be played no matter what is decided. 8 CASA AMOR STAFF who survived Sir Jim Ratcliffe's wave of redundancies were given metal WATER BOTTLES with the club's new motto sprayed across: 'BADGE, BRAVERY, SPIRIT' to take home with them this week. United's twist on Love Island bottles served as a reminder of chief executive Omar Berrada's newly set core values relayed during a big group meeting at Carrington on Monday. That meeting served as a chance for directors Jason Wilcox and Marc Armstrong, as well as Amorim, to give an overview of how the summer has gone. Wilcox, United's director of football, applauded latest signing Benjamin Sesko during his speech, praising 'Benji' for showing tremendous desire to join the club. He claimed the 22-year-old striker rejected further offers of a higher salary from fellow suitors Newcastle, even after he had agreed personal terms at Old Trafford - a point rejected by people at St James Park. On the topic of wanting United above all else, Amorim grabbed the opportunity to thank skipper Bruno Fernandes for returning down a 'big money move to Saudi Arabia'. This is the first time United have started a season with the manager and football structure both chosen by Ratcliffe's Ineos regime. 8
