Newcastle rugby is buzzing with excitement as the Red Bulls prepare for their first Premiership campaign under new ownership.
Inside Kingston Park, the atmosphere is electric, and head coach Steve Diamond is ready to set the tone for a fresh chapter in the club’s history.
Setting Expectations from Day One
“Right then,” Diamond begins, and the room falls silent. He’s addressing his players for the first time ahead of the new season.
The meeting room, steeped in history, is lined with portraits of past stars, a few bean bags tucked in the corner. Soon, it will get a modern makeover.
An image flashes on the projector: YEAR ZERO.
Diamond is clear with his team: performance matters. “If today’s session is good, we’re off tomorrow.
If not, we’re in at 8am. Fair enough? I don’t want us thinking we’re Real Madrid.
We’ve got five tough league games coming up. Get our minds right, or we’ll get a proper hiding.”
The team nods, spirits high after a record pre-season turnout of 9,100 fans.
The club pulled out all the stops with milk floats delivering Red Bull packs with QR codes for tickets, DJs in Hummers, and a pyrotechnic display to mark the occasion.
Building Belief and Focus
Diamond flicks to the next slide: Belief, Knowledge, Skill, Motivation.
He emphasizes the stability brought by Red Bull’s investment.
“What’s gone on behind the scenes gives us security we haven’t had in two years. Let the fireworks happen outside — our job is to quietly earn wins.
Against Saracens on Friday, we need to be at our best. Basics first. At half-time against Harlequins, we made 99 tackles, missed one.
That’s the kind of team we are if we stick to fundamentals.”
Behind the Scenes: Planning and Recruitment
Daily Mail Sport spent the day behind the scenes, starting with a 6:30am gym session, followed by backroom staff meetings, injury updates, performance briefings, and clips from a university game.
Diamond shares recruitment news: Liam Williams is arriving soon.
“If the medical goes well, he’s in. He brings experience to our young back-threes and is the kind of tough, no-nonsense player we want.”
This is a turnaround from past years when financial struggles led to talent drain, forcing local favourites like Trevor Davison, Callum Chick, and Adam Radwan to leave.
Now, with Red Bull’s backing, Diamond is spearheading a recruitment drive, fielding offers from agents for top-tier players who will be out of contract next season, including Alex Mitchell, Fin Smith, Jack Willis, George Martin, and Joe Marchant.
Balancing Experience and Youth
Diamond stresses that recruitment isn’t just about picking talent. “We need the right balance. Don’t rip the soul out of the club.
We need players who can thrive in the north wind here. The next generation is coming through, and nurturing them is vital.
It’s not just about the 15 on the field — it’s about growing the club from the ground up.”
Even stars like Antoine Dupont have been mentioned in discussions, but Diamond is pragmatic: “We’ve got to get the right nine and ten. Balance is key.”
Upgrading Facilities and Infrastructure
The Red Bull takeover is transforming Kingston Park. Inside, changing rooms were rebranded in 24 hours, while outside, deliveries of merchandise and infrastructure are arriving.
The new owners plan charter flights instead of long bus trips, pre-season camps in Austria, tackle bags shaped like Red Bull cans, cryotherapy chambers, and eventually a stadium redevelopment.
Former owner Semore Kurdi praises Red Bull’s approach.
“They move quickly, know what they’re doing, and can guarantee the club’s future. Look at Leipzig — four divisions up to Champions League.
Newcastle has the same potential now.”
Strengthened Squad and Bright Prospects
This season, Newcastle has bolstered its squad with internationals Christian Wade, Amanaki Mafi, Hame Faiva, and Simon Benitez Cruz, meaning they’re no longer easy pickings.
Liam Williams arrives for his medical and quickly confirms he’s ready to join.
“Looks like I’ve got my new home,” Williams tells Daily Mail Sport.
“It’s an exciting place with Red Bull behind it. I’ll sort my life back home first, but I can’t wait to get started.”
A New Generation of Heroes
For Newcastle rugby fans, long accustomed to lean years since the days of Jonny Wilkinson, the excitement is palpable.
Year Zero is more than a phrase — it’s the beginning of a new era filled with promise, ambition, and a belief that the club can rise to the top once again.