Newcastle Red Bulls secure homegrown fly-half for the future

A product of the north of England, Connon began his rugby journey at the age of six with his local club in Carlisle, alongside representing his school, Austin Friars. His talent was quickly recognised, and at just 15 he joined the Newcastle Falcons academy. His development continued at international level when he was selected for the IRFU Exiles programme and went on to represent Ireland Under-18s.

Connon made his senior debut for Newcastle on 14 October 2016 in a European Rugby Challenge Cup fixture against the Ospreys. Since then, he has established himself as a key figure at Kingston Park, delivering a series of memorable moments in club colours. Among them was his dramatic match-winning penalty against Wasps on 10 March 2019, scored with the final kick of the game.

More recently, in November 2024, Connon contributed seven points in a historic victory over Saracens, helping Newcastle secure their first win against the north London side since 2009.

Now a seasoned leader within the squad, the Cumbrian fly-half has amassed 748 points across 146 appearances for the club he came through as a teenager, with the former Ireland Under-20s cap saying: “I grew up supporting Newcastle and I’ve been involved as a player since the age of 15.

“I’d love to be part of the change here. Everyone sees what the future can be here with Red Bull involved, and the positive work going on around the place.

“Our performances are already starting to improve and the possibilities are exciting, so I’m just glad to have things sorted and be involved.”

Newcastle Red Bulls sporting general manager Neil McIlroy said: “I’ve been very impressed with Brett’s professionalism and how he has embraced the change that we are bringing about at the club.

“He’s an outstanding goal-kicker who is working hard to help improve our all-round game, and he is a very positive influence among the group.

“Having a homegrown core is really valuable for us with so much change going on around the club, and in Brett we have somebody who can continue to be a standard-bearer for that policy.”