Steve Diamond could depart Newcastle Red Bulls for Prem rivals

Friday, 12 September 2025 at 12:58

byRugby Rucker

Harlequins could be the next destination for Steve Diamond according to Rugby Pass, with Newcastle Falcons’ new Red Bull ownership already beginning the search for his replacement just weeks after taking charge at Kingston Park.

The Austrian-owned energy drinks powerhouse has wasted no time stamping its authority on the Premiership club, sparking uncertainty around Diamond’s role as consultant director of rugby. His current deal only runs until the end of 2024, with crunch talks scheduled in the coming weeks.

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Red Bull had previously been linked with Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend before he committed to leading his country through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Former Wales boss Warren Gatland and ex-Wallabies and Argentina head coach Michael Cheika – who guided Leicester Tigers to within a game of Premiership glory last season – are also among the names in the mix.

Diamond, now 56, has built a reputation as one of English rugby’s most hard-nosed operators. The former Sale Sharks hooker made over 350 appearances for the club before moving into coaching. He first cut his teeth with Sale and then Saracens, before spending time with the Russian national team and England Saxons.

But it was at Sale Sharks where Diamond made his biggest impact, transforming the club during two spells as director of rugby, guiding them into Europe’s top competitions and building a reputation for producing gritty, competitive sides on limited budgets.

Known for his straight-talking style, no-nonsense approach and sharp eye for talent, he has become one of the most experienced and respected rugby administrators in the Premiership era.

Since joining Newcastle in January 2024, Diamond has been tasked with stabilising the struggling side, but with Red Bull signalling a fresh direction, his tenure on Tyneside looks far from secure.

That uncertainty has opened the door for Harlequins, who are on the lookout for a replacement for Danny Wilson after he accepted a role on Steve Tandy’s Wales coaching staff. According to RugbyPass, Diamond is firmly on their radar as the West London club weigh up their next move.

"Myth" - The 20 Most Overrated Rugby Stars of All Time, According to Fans

But here we are. The fans over at TheTopTens have spoken, and they’ve served up a list guaranteed to ruffle feathers. Remember — this is about perception, not just stats. Some of these names are legends. Some are cult heroes. But all of them… apparently a bit too hyped.

So, buckle up. Here are the 20 most overrated rugby players of all time — as voted by the fans.

20. Chris Ashton – Splash, But No Substance?

A prolific finisher and famous for the ‘Ash Splash’, Ashton had a knack for being in the right place at the right time. But critics argue his defensive frailties and lack of versatility made him more highlight reel than complete package.

19. Semi Radradra – Highlights Don’t Win Matches

Radradra is the king of YouTube clips, with dazzling runs and offloads that leave fans breathless. Yet in the XVs game, inconsistency and shaky defence have left some wondering if the hype outshines the reality.

18. Bryan Habana – Quick as Lightning, Hot and Cold

Habana’s pace terrified defenders, and his World Cup-winning legacy is unquestioned. But some argue his domestic performances were patchy, and his reputation often outweighed week-to-week impact.

17. Sam Warburton – Captain Fantastic… Or Just Captain?

As a leader, Warburton was immense and commanded respect across the rugby world. Still, there are those who believe his actual influence at the breakdown never matched the legend of his captaincy.

16. Owen Farrell – Mr. Marmite

Farrell’s leadership, kicking, and competitive edge make him one of the most polarising figures in rugby. For some he’s England’s rock; for others he’s over-praised and lacking the flair of a truly world-class playmaker.

15. Cheslin Kolbe – Small Frame, Big Debate

Kolbe’s footwork and attacking spark have earned him superstar status, and he’s capable of magic from nothing. But detractors point out his defensive weaknesses and question whether his size makes him a liability in tight contests.

14. Paul O’Connell – The Line-Out King

A towering figure for Ireland, O’Connell’s line-out brilliance is undisputed. Still, many suggest his influence in open play was overstated compared to the adulation he received.

13. Schalk Burger – Beast or Liability?

Burger brought unmatched ferocity to every collision, cementing his place as a fan favourite. Yet his disciplinary issues and tendency to give away penalties left critics arguing he sometimes hurt his team more than he helped.

12. Maro Itoje – Hyped to the Rafters

Athletic, charismatic, and marketable, Itoje seems built for superstardom. But some feel he flatters to deceive, dominating moments rather than matches and struggling to live up to the endless hype.

11. James Haskell – More Brand Than Brawn?

A tireless worker with a big personality, Haskell always gave his all on the pitch. That said, many feel his media presence inflated his reputation far beyond his actual technical contribution.

10. Sonny Bill Williams – The Offload Obsession

SBW was box office, dazzling crowds with his offloading game and cross-code appeal. But his flashes of brilliance often masked long stretches of inconsistency, leading critics to call him style over substance.

9. Stuart Hogg – The Flying Scotsman Divides Opinion

Hogg has long been Scotland’s poster boy, lighting up games with his counter-attacking brilliance and eye for the spectacular. But critics argue his defensive frailties and occasional lapses under pressure make him more highlight player than all-round great.

8. George North – The Early Peak

North was unstoppable during his peak years between 2011 and 2013, cementing his place as one of rugby’s brightest young stars. But his decline since then, marked by defensive lapses and stagnation, has divided opinion on his true greatness.

7. Manu Tuilagi – The Nearly Man

When fit, Tuilagi could bulldoze through the best defences in the world and turn games on their head. Sadly, injuries and inconsistency have kept him from becoming the dominant force his hype once promised.

6. Alun Wyn Jones – Legend or Legacy Pick?

AWJ’s longevity and leadership cannot be denied, and his caps record is nothing short of legendary. Yet his late-career selections, seen by some as reputation-driven, have sparked debate about whether he overstayed at the top.

5. Finn Russell – Flair or Foolhardy?

Scotland’s mercurial 10 is a joy to watch when everything clicks, delivering outrageous passes and game-changing creativity. But his unpredictability often drifts into recklessness, leaving critics frustrated with his lack of control.

4. Siya Kolisi – Captain Courageous… But Overpraised?

Kolisi is a symbol of inspiration and leadership, especially after lifting the World Cup. Still, detractors suggest his personal performances don’t always match the level of praise and spotlight he receives.

3. Gavin Henson – More Tan Than Talent?

Henson had all the flair, style, and hype to be a Welsh icon for the ages. Instead, his career fizzled under the weight of off-field headlines and missed opportunities on it.

2. Sergio Parisse – Solo Showman

Parisse often looked like the lone star in an underperforming Italy side, dazzling with skills and vision. But critics argue his showmanship sometimes masked limited effectiveness in the tight exchanges where games are won.

1. Sébastien Chabal – The Caveman Myth

Chabal’s image, with the beard and bone-crunching tackles, made him a cult hero around the world. Yet when it came to consistent top-level performance, many argue he was more myth than monster.

"Sititi vs Wiese" - 3 Key Battles: All Blacks vs Springboks in Wellington - Rugby Championship Round 4

Louis Rees-Zammit to make rugby return and Bristol Bears debut this Saturday in PREM Cup