Newcastle Red Bulls to Drop a Shock New Head Coach Bombshell

The Oxfordshire-born McFarland, 53, is a Newcastle University alumnus and boasts a long-standing reputation in both Irish and UK rugby circuits.

After leaving Ulster, he has been serving as the forwards coach at Japan Rugby League One side Kobelco Kobe Steelers, working under his former Glasgow Warriors boss, Dave Rennie. McFarland’s coaching CV includes guiding Ulster to multiple European Champions Cup quarter-finals and overseeing the development of several Ireland internationals.

Before his head coach tenure at Ulster, he had stints at Glasgow Warriors, Connacht, and as a player at Malone RFC, demonstrating a career built on both on-field and off-field rugby expertise.

McFarland is widely respected for his strategic acumen, particularly in forward play and breakdown management, and has a reputation for developing young talent into international-level players.

Known for his calm and thoughtful approach, he has been credited with transforming Ulster into a competitive force in both domestic and European competitions. He also played professionally in England before turning to coaching, which gives him a unique insight into player perspectives and team dynamics.

Newcastle Red Bulls managing director Jonny Petrie, the 106th Scotland captain, has a close professional relationship with McFarland, having collaborated with him at Ravenhill during Petrie’s time as Ulster chief executive.