Steve Diamond exits Newcastle with Gregor Townsend set to take up Red Bull role

Newcastle have parted company with director of rugby Steve Diamond as part of a management restructure, with Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend set to join club owners Red Bull in a part-time advisory role.

Diamond, 56, who was appointed in January 2024, departs five days after the club began the new Gallagher Prem season with a 39-17 loss at home to Saracens.

Neil McIlroy will join Newcastle on November 1 in the newly-created role of sporting general manager and be responsible for all aspects of rugby.

Newcastle senior coach Alan Dickens will step up to take on the position of head coach, reporting directly to McIlroy.

Announcing Diamond’s departure, a club statement read: “Today, Steve Diamond, director of rugby, is stepping down from his position.

“We would like to thank Steve for his passion, contribution, and guidance which have been instrumental in supporting the club throughout this important transition.”

Townsend will spend 30 days a year working with Red Bull, the PA news agency understands, in addition to continuing his Scotland commitments.

The 52-year-old last month extended his Scotland contract until the end of the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

A Scottish Rugby spokesperson said: “Red Bull have appointed Gregor Townsend as strategic advisor and consultant on their global rugby strategy with Scottish Rugby’s full knowledge and support.

“This is a great opportunity for Gregor with one of the biggest sporting organisations in the world.

“He will be participating in high-level strategic conversations with a powerhouse in sport and we see that as being beneficial to Scottish Rugby going forward.

“Gregor remains fully committed to his role as Scotland head coach and we see this new role working alongside that well.”

McIlroy will join Newcastle with experience from holding similar roles with French rugby league side Catalans Dragons and Top 14 outfit Clermont Auvergne.

A statement announcing his imminent arrival read: “Newcastle Red Bulls are making several changes to the management structure to reflect the club’s deep and lasting commitment to developing local rugby talent through a strengthened academy program, delivering a world-class fan experience and achieving sporting excellence for years to come.”

In addition, John Fletcher, the current head of pathways with Scottish Rugby, will join on December 1 as Newcastle’s new academy and pathways director, while former Scotland captain Jonny Petrie will become managing director from Monday.

Energy drinks company Red Bull completed its takeover of Newcastle in August and outlined aspirations for the team to compete for trophies in England and Europe in the coming years.

There has since been a flurry of new signings, including the arrivals of former England wing Christian Wade and veteran Wales full-back Liam Williams.

Newcastle have finished bottom of the table in each of the last three seasons.

Before moving to Kingston Park, Diamond spent a decade in charge of Sale and also coached Saracens, the Russia national team and Worcester.

Following Worcester’s collapse in 2022, the former hooker worked with Scottish side Edinburgh as lead rugby consultant before taking on a consultancy role with the Rugby Football Union.

Newcastle return to action on Saturday afternoon at Exeter.