Red Bull's takeover boosts Newcastle rugby with new signings and enhanced professionalism
Red Bull's recent takeover of Newcastle rugby club promises long-term investment and access to extensive sporting infrastructure aimed at winning trophies. The club has seen increased professionalism under new ownership, with head coach Alan Dickens complemented by senior assistant Stephen Jones and the adoption of higher professional standards.
Newcastle, currently bottom of the Premiership and winless after seven matches, will face Bristol next. Among new signings is Hoskins Sotutu, the All Blacks No 8 capped 14 times, who will join the squad next summer.
Two Newcastle players have recently traveled to Red Bull's athlete performance centre in Salzburg for injury rehabilitation and to gain insight into the operation. Player Elliott Obatoyinbo, who joined Newcastle in 2022, acknowledges positive changes under the new ownership and says players are buying into the plan.
Elliott and his brother Harrison, who returned from Toulon and Stade Montois, have played together, including in a Challenge Cup win over the Lions. Off the field, Elliott, aged 27, is also an artist planning an exhibition next year and is a keen golfer who began playing at six and once considered turning professional.
