Red Bull ready to charge into Gallagher Premiership with full club takeover
Rugby NewsFriday, 09 May 2025 at 19:47
Premiership strugglers Newcastle Falcons could be handed a dramatic lifeline — with Red Bull circling in a potential deal that could shake up English rugby.
Competition: Get a Chance to Watch the Lions in Australia
The Austrian energy drink powerhouse, already a global force in football and Formula 1, is according to Rugby Pass considering a move to take control of the crisis-hit Falcons. The Tyneside outfit, rooted to the bottom of the Gallagher Premiership table, are in desperate need of investment to secure their top-flight future.
£5million lifeline talks underway
RUCK understands that Falcons chiefs have been locked in talks with the other nine Premiership clubs and CVC Capital Partners, exploring a loan of up to £5 million to meet financial criteria for next season’s competition.
Despite glimmers of hope off the pitch, things remain bleak on it — Newcastle have lost 13 of their 15 matches this season and sit nine points adrift at the bottom of the standings. Their daunting task continues tomorrow with a trip to North London to face Saracens.
Up for grabs: Falcons still searching for a buyer
Owner Semore Kurdi officially put the club on the market more than a year ago, but despite several interested parties, no firm sale has materialised — yet.
However, that could soon change, with Red Bull believed to be seriously weighing up a takeover that would see them add rugby union to their already jaw-dropping sports empire.
Red Bull’s rugby ambition revealed
Red Bull GmbH — the force behind Red Bull Racing and football clubs RB Leipzig, Red Bull Salzburg, and New York Red Bulls — is said to have a long-standing interest in expanding into the rugby world.
With global brand recognition just behind Coca-Cola and Pepsi, their arrival would mark one of the most high-profile ownership moves in Premiership history.
Could Newcastle be next on their list? Watch this space.
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The Unpicked XV: 2025 British & Irish Lions Tour to Australia
1. Nicky Smith (Wales)
An experienced loosehead with over 50 caps for Wales, Smith remains one of the most consistent scrummagers in the game.
2. Jamie George (England)
The veteran hooker and 2021 Lions tourist missed out this time despite being one of England's most reliable performers and a respected leader.
3. Kyle Sinckler (England)
Known for his explosive ball-carrying and fiery passion, Sinckler’s form and location overseas weren’t enough to secure a third Lions tour.
4. Jonny Gray (Scotland)
A lineout expert and tackling machine, Gray has struggled with injuries recently, ruling him out of contention for Australia.
5. Grant Gilchrist (Scotland)
One of Scotland’s most experienced locks, Gilchrist’s leadership and work rate have been invaluable, but he misses out once more.
6. Courtney Lawes (England)
A Lions stalwart and former England captain, Lawes confirmed his international retirement earlier this year, ending his Lions journey.
7. Jack Willis (England)
A breakdown menace with a relentless engine, Willis has impressed abroad but may have missed out due to playing outside the UK.
8. Taulupe Faletau (Wales)
One of the finest No.8s of his generation, Faletau has been sidelined through injury, robbing him of a potential fourth Lions tour.
9. Ben White (Scotland)
Scotland's first-choice scrum-half has been a steady performer internationally, but couldn't edge out the fierce competition for the Lions.
10. Owen Farrell (England)
The former Lions captain and England centurion ruled himself out of international duty in late 2024, prioritising family and mental wellbeing.
11. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (England)
A breakout star of the 2024 Six Nations, the young wing lit up the tournament but narrowly missed selection on this occasion.
12. Robbie Henshaw / Manu Tuilagi (Ireland/England)
Both powerhouse centres boast extensive Lions pedigree. Henshaw’s injury woes and Tuilagi’s patchy form ultimately saw them miss out.
13. Henry Slade (England)
One of the most elegant and versatile backs in the northern hemisphere, Slade is again overlooked despite consistent form.
14. Darcy Graham (Scotland)
The dynamic utility back has added polish to his raw talent but couldn’t squeeze into the highly competitive Lions back three.
15. George Furbank (England)
A confident and elusive fullback, Furbank’s excellent form under Steve Borthwick wasn’t quite enough to force a late inclusion.
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