Newcastle Red Bulls have dispensed with the services of director of rugby Steve Diamond and are interested in bringing in Scotland coach Gregor Townsend as an advisor.

Diamond’s position had been uncertain this summer once Newcastle’s takeover by the Austrian energy drink giants had been completed.

But he had expected to be in charge for this season.

However, Red Bull bosses have decided to remove the experienced Diamond from his position just one game into the 2025/26 PREM Rugby campaign in a move that must be considered a shock given its timing. Townsend had previously been linked with Newcastle.

But although he has re-signed to stay with Scotland through to the 2027 World Cup, the former fly-half is now a leading contender to join the Kingston Park outfit in a consultancy role. Diamond’s assistant Alan Dickens is set to be promoted to Newcastle boss for now.

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