"International stars" - Newcastle Red Bulls confirms 17 new signings

Wednesday, 24 September 2025 at 09:25

byRugby Rucker

Red Bull’s takeover of Newcastle has already shaken English rugby to its core. A flurry of signings has transformed Kingston Park into the sport’s most talked-about destination.

From superstar internationals to promising homegrown talent, here’s the full breakdown of every arrival in the new Red Bulls era.

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Ethan Grayson – Centre/Utility Back – from San Diego Legion

The son of Saints legend Paul and younger brother of James, Ethan Grayson is carving his own path. After stints with Northampton, Bedford, and most recently in Major League Rugby with San Diego, the 22-year-old returns to England. Tall, powerful, and versatile, he can cover fly-half, centre, and full-back.

Connor Doherty – Centre – from Sale Sharks

Already a fans’ favourite at Kingston Park, Doherty has swapped the North West for the North East permanently. Still just 25, he’s a tough-tackling, try-scoring midfielder who looks made for the Red Bulls’ new attacking brand.

George McGuigan – Hooker – from Ospreys

The former club captain is back home. McGuigan knows Kingston Park inside out and will be central to the new era. Experienced, reliable, and one of the Premiership’s best line-out throwers, his leadership will be priceless.

Jamie Hodgson – Lock – from Edinburgh

A Scotland international with real bite in the engine room, Hodgson is a line-out specialist who thrives on the physical battle. At 25, he’s got his best years ahead and will add steel to Newcastle’s pack.

Freddie Clarke – Lock – from Gloucester

Clarke arrives after a standout spell at Kingsholm. Dynamic in the loose but solid in the tight, he adds depth to the second row. A no-nonsense operator who does the dirty work others shy away from.

Amanaki Mafi – No.8 – from Yokohama Canon Eagles

One of Japan’s biggest names is heading to Tyneside. Mafi, 35, is a wrecking-ball ball-carrier with World Cup pedigree. Expect fireworks whenever he gets the ball in hand. A true marquee signing.

Simón Benítez Cruz – Centre – from Tarucas (Argentina)

A bit of an unknown quantity, the Argentine prospect arrives with a reputation for raw power and flair. At just 21, he’s one for the future but could surprise plenty this season.

Tom Christie – Flanker – from Crusaders

A Super Rugby winner with the Crusaders, Christie is a relentless tackler and breakdown menace. At 27, he’s in his prime and could be the heartbeat of the Red Bulls’ back row.

Fergus Lee-Warner – Lock/Flanker – from NSW Waratahs

The versatile Australian forward brings grit and experience from Super Rugby. Hard as nails and able to cover multiple positions, he’s a coach’s dream and a nightmare for opposition packs.

Boeta Chamberlain – Fly-half – from Bulls

Chamberlain swaps Pretoria for Newcastle and gives the Red Bulls a game-controller with a booming boot. At 25, the South African playmaker has the potential to light up the Premiership.

Hame Faiva – Hooker – from Bath

Italy international Faiva is a mobile, explosive hooker who thrives in broken play. He joins from Bath looking for more game time and will challenge McGuigan for the No.2 jersey.

Christian Wade – Wing – from Wigan Warriors (Rugby League)

The Premiership’s forgotten superstar is back. Wade, 33, was once the deadliest finisher in English rugby. After spells in the NFL and rugby league, he’s returned to union with unfinished business. Newcastle fans are already dreaming of tries galore.

Joel Grayson – Centre – from Old Northamptonians

Following in the footsteps of father Paul and alongside brother Ethan, Joel Grayson has opted for the Red Bulls revolution. A powerful runner from the amateur ranks, he’ll be aiming to make his breakthrough in the Premiership.

Harrison Obatoyinbo – Wing/Full-back – from Mont-de-Marsan

A Saracens academy product who lit up France’s ProD2 with Mont-de-Marsan, Obatoyinbo is rapid, elusive, and brave under the high ball. Still only 25, he could be one of the shrewdest signings of the lot.

Sam Waugh – Back Three – from Loughborough Students

A star of university rugby, Waugh joins as part of Newcastle’s drive to snap up young English talent. Quick, skilful, and hungry to prove himself, he’s one for the long-term project.

Stefan Coetzee – Full-back/Wing – from Pumas (South Africa)

Standing at nearly 6’5, Coetzee is a towering back-three option. Strong under the high ball and with a powerful running game, he’ll give Newcastle a different dimension out wide.

Liam Williams – Full-back/Wing – from Saracens

The crown jewel of the Red Bulls’ recruitment drive. With 93 Wales caps and three Lions tours under his belt, Williams brings world-class pedigree. At 34, he still has plenty left in the tank and will inspire both on and off the field.

Final Word

Red Bull haven’t just dipped their toes in the transfer market – they’ve cannonballed straight in. With household names like Liam Williams and Christian Wade rubbing shoulders with Southern Hemisphere hard men and exciting English youngsters, the Red Bulls have transformed from Premiership strugglers into one of the league’s most intriguing sides.