Newcastle Red Bulls close in on another British & Irish Lion

reporting that Scotland and Lions scrum-half has emerged as another major target for the Red Bulls.

According to RugbyPass, the Red Bulls are keen to bring Harris back to Kingston Park when his current deal with Bath expires at the end of the campaign.

The 33-year-old centre, who has also represented the British & Irish Lions, previously made 101 appearances for the then-Falcons between 2014 and 2019 before moving to Gloucester.

After four successful seasons in the West Country, Harris joined Bath earlier this year, though opportunities have been limited to just two appearances off the bench so far.

The move would mark a homecoming for the Carlisle-born back, who remains closely tied to the North East and could offer valuable experience and leadership to a youthful Newcastle squad.

The Harris rumours come hot on the heels of The Telegraph

The timing is no coincidence. Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has recently taken up a consultancy role with the Tyneside club — a move that could open the door for some of his most trusted players to follow.

White, currently playing for RC Toulon, has been a standout performer under Townsend’s stewardship, earning praise for his tempo, control, and leadership around the breakdown. His form was rewarded this summer with a late British & Irish Lions call-up, joining the tour to Australia after Tomos Williams was ruled out through injury.

A move back to the UK would not only reunite White with Townsend but also keep him within touching distance of Edinburgh and Scotland’s training base — a key factor as the national side builds towards the next World Cup cycle.

With Townsend now involved behind the scenes, the Red Bulls’ recruitment drive appears to be gathering serious momentum.

Bringing in proven internationals such as White and Harris would represent a major statement of intent from the club’s new regime — and could signal a bold new era for rugby in the North East.