Newcastle Red Bulls ready to add 'world-class' International winger

Sunday, 22 March 2026 at 09:55

byRugby Rucker

Newcastle Red Bulls are continuing their aggressive recruitment drive ahead of next season, with RUCK sources indicating they are targeting a marquee winger signing.

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Ireland international James Lowe is firmly on their radar as uncertainty surrounds his future with Leinster Rugby.

Lowe is out of contract at the end of the season and discussions with the IRFU remain unresolved. Leinster head coach Leo Cullen admitted negotiations have been slower than expected, leaving the door open for interested clubs.

Despite an injury-hit campaign, in which he has managed just one try, Lowe remains one of the most dangerous wingers in world rugby. His power, aerial presence and kicking ability make him an attractive option for a Newcastle side looking to add proven quality.

RUCK also understands the Red Bulls have been linked with Elliot Daly. However, Newcastle face competition for his signature, with Sale Sharks showing interest, while a return to Saracens remains a possibility.

One player who will not be joining is Jack Nowell, with the winger set to remain at Stade Rochelais despite interest from elsewhere.

Newcastle have already completed 19 signings, including recruits from New Zealand such as Hoskins Sotutu and Pouri Rakete-Stones.

With further additions planned, a big-name winger could be the next statement signing.

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Newcastle Red Bulls confirms 19 new signings

From proven internationals to rising stars, here is a look at every new signing set to arrive, excluding those who have simply extended existing deals.

Elliot Millar-Mills

A proven Premiership winner arrives in the form of Elliot Millar-Mills, who joins from Northampton Saints on a two-year deal this summer. The Scotland tighthead, 33, played a key role in their 2023–24 title-winning campaign and featured in last season’s Champions Cup final.

Pouri Rakete-Stones

Joining from the Hurricanes ahead of the 2026–27 season, Pouri Rakete-Stones adds further depth at prop. The 28-year-old has represented the Maori All Blacks and an All Blacks XV, and is also English-qualified.

James Harper

Another addition to the front row, James Harper will make the move from Sale Sharks at the end of the season. The 25-year-old tighthead has made over 70 appearances since his debut in 2021, scoring three tries.

George Turner

Experience at hooker comes in the shape of Scotland international George Turner. The 33-year-old, who has 50 caps, has signed a one-year deal with an option for a second after spells with Harlequins, Kobelco Kobe Steelers and Glasgow Warriors.

Franco Molina

After completing the 2026 Super Rugby season with Western Force, Franco Molina will link up with the squad on a two-year contract. The Argentine second row, 28, brings Premiership experience from Exeter Chiefs along with 20 international caps.

Cam Jordan

A consistent presence at Gloucester since 2020, Cam Jordan departs Kingsholm having made more than 70 appearances. The second row now makes the switch ahead of the new campaign.

Rusi Tuima

Developed through Exeter Chiefs’ academy, Rusi Tuima arrives having scored 20 tries in 74 appearances for the club. The powerful lock, who debuted in 2019, has agreed a two-year deal.

Max Hicks

New Zealand-born lock Max Hicks strengthens the second row options following his move from Perpignan. The 26-year-old previously played for Tasman and the Highlanders, and has been capped by the Maori All Blacks.

Sam Graham

Bringing physicality to the back row, Sam Graham joins after four years with Northampton Saints. The 28-year-old was part of their 2024 title-winning side and has signed a two-year contract.

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Hoskins Sotutu

One of the headline arrivals is Hoskins Sotutu, who will join after the 2026 Super Rugby season on a three-year deal. The 27-year-old number eight has 14 All Blacks caps and was named 2024 Super Rugby Player of the Year, with England eligibility also on the horizon.

Allan Ferrie

Fresh from an impressive Championship campaign, Allan Ferrie makes the step up on a two-year deal from Coventry. The 26-year-old back-rower has scored seven tries in 15 appearances this season.

Raffi Quirke

A dynamic presence at scrum-half, Raffi Quirke swaps Sale Sharks for a new challenge on a two-year contract. The 24-year-old has played over 80 games for Sale and has senior England caps, as well as recent involvement with England A.

Zack Henry

Returning to the Premiership after several years in France, Zack Henry adds experience at fly-half. The 31-year-old joins from Stade Francais on a one-year deal, having previously represented Leicester Tigers, Pau, Nevers and Rouen.

Joji Nasova

Pace out wide comes from Fiji international Joji Nasova, who signs a two-year deal. The 25-year-old has scored four tries in three caps and was part of the sevens squad that claimed silver at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Will Rigg

Having developed through the BUCS Super Rugby pathway, Will Rigg makes the move from Exeter Chiefs. The 25-year-old centre has scored 10 tries in 30 appearances and adds further depth in midfield.

Brandon Jackson

Versatility across the backline is provided by Brandon Jackson, who arrives from Saracens on a two-year deal. The 24-year-old can operate on the wing or at centre and has scored 13 tries in 29 appearances, alongside a strong loan spell with Ampthill.

Fehi Fineanganofo

An exciting attacking threat, Fehi Fineanganofo makes the switch after impressing in Super Rugby with the Hurricanes. The 23-year-old has also starred on the sevens circuit, earning a reputation for his pace, footwork and finishing.

Obi Ene

Another recruit from Sale Sharks, Obi Ene joins at the end of the season. The 22-year-old winger scored seven tries in 13 appearances and is already familiar with the city from his time at university.

Josh Hodge

A familiar face returns in Josh Hodge, who re-joins on a three-year deal after progressing through the academy. Now an established fullback, he has scored 29 tries in 89 appearances for Exeter Chiefs and offers both attacking threat and goal-kicking ability.