Newcastle Red Bulls sign Scotland international from PREM rivals

The 33-year-old will make the move to the North East this summer following the conclusion of his one-year deal at The Stoop. Turner joined Harlequins ahead of the 2025/26 campaign after a season in Japan with Kobelco Kobe Steelers and has gone on to make nine appearances for the club to date.

Turner began his professional career with Edinburgh Rugby, making his debut from the bench in October 2014. He later joined Glasgow Warriors on loan for the 2017/18 season, making his first appearance for the club in August 2017 against Dragons in a 40–23 away victory. After several seasons with the Warriors, he departed Glasgow in June 2024 to move to Japan and compete in Japan Rugby League One with Kobe Steelers.

In May 2025, Turner returned to the UK to sign for Harlequins ahead of the 2025/26 Premiership Rugby season. He made his club debut in September 2025 as a replacement against Leicester Tigers in the Premiership Rugby Cup and scored his first try for Quins the following month during a 52–14 league victory over Newcastle Red Bulls.

At international level, Turner was first called up to the Scotland senior squad during the 2016 Six Nations before making his international debut in November 2017 against Samoa. He went on to earn a reputation for his try-scoring ability, notably scoring a hat-trick against Canada on Scotland’s 2018 summer tour of the Americas. Turner was selected for Scotland’s squad at the 2023 Rugby World Cup and continued his international career into 2025, scoring a try on his 50th cap during a 56–0 victory over Tonga in November.

Reflecting on his impending departure, Turner said: “I’d like to thank the players, staff and supporters at Harlequins for welcoming me into the Club after returning from Japan at the start of the season.

“I’ve got an opportunity to return closer to home with my family from next season, however I remain fully committed to giving everything to the Club and having a strong finish to the season.”

Senior Coach Jason Gilmore also paid tribute to the Scotland international, adding: “We wish George and his family all the very best. This move allows him to be closer to home and spend more time with his young family, which is so important. On the field, George will continue to give his all for Harlequins, just as he has done throughout this season.”

Turner will remain with Harlequins for the remainder of the campaign before beginning the next chapter of his career with Newcastle Red Bulls.