STATEMENT: Newcastle Red Bulls confirm Steve Diamond replacement

Wednesday, 01 October 2025 at 13:18

byTom Sansom

Newcastle Red Bulls have issued a statement, following the removal of Steve Diamond as Director of Rugby. Diamond steps down from the helm, with Neil McIlroy taking over as Sporting General Manager from 1 November, bringing experience from Rugby League club Catalan Dragons and Top 14 titans ASM Clermont Auvergne.

Alan Dickens is promoted to Head Coach, while John Fletcher, former Scotland Head of Pathways and England U18s coach, joins as Academy and Pathways Director on 1 December to develop local talent. Off-field, Jonny Petrie becomes Managing Director on 6 October, overseeing strategic and commercial growth."

"Newcastle Red Bulls are making several changes to the management structure to reflect the club’s deep and lasting commitment to developing local rugby talent through a strengthened academy program, delivering a world class fan experience and achieving sporting excellence for years to come.

"The current Director of Rugby, Steve Diamond, is today stepping down from his position. Everyone at Newcastle Red Bulls would like to thank Steve Diamond for his passion, contribution and guidance, which have been instrumental in supporting the club throughout this important transition.

"From November 1^st, Rugby operations of the club will be led by Neil McIlroy, who will join the Newcastle Red Bulls as Sporting General Manager, responsible for overseeing all rugby management activities within the Club. McIlroy brings a strong track record of driving competitive excellence, most recently as Sporting Director at the Catalan Dragons and General Manager ASM Clermont.

"Alan Dickens, senior coach of Newcastle Red Bulls since 2024, will take on the role of Head Coach, reporting directly to McIlroy.

"John Fletcher, the current Head of Pathways at SRU and previous Head of England Under 18s will join Newcastle Red Bulls as Academy and Pathways Director from 1^st December. The development of local talent into world class players is a priority for the club and this position will see Fletcher focus on building a high-performing academy team and driving player and coach development across the region.

"The club is also pleased to announce that Jonny Petrie will take up the position of Managing Director from October 6^th. Petrie will be responsible for the long-term off-field success of the Newcastle Red Bulls, bringing a wealth of experience from his time as CEO of Ulster Rugby and as Managing Director of Edinburgh Rugby.

"The club will be making no further comment at this time."