Red Bull Enters Rugby by Taking Over Newcastle Club

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Red Bull has expanded its sports investments by entering rugby union for the first time, taking control of struggling English Premiership team Newcastle.

The energy drinks company from Austria is already involved in football, motor racing, and winter sports. Now, the rugby club will be called Newcastle Red Bulls.

Oliver Mintzlaff, Red Bull’s CEO for corporate projects and investments, said their goal is to help the club reach its full potential on the field.

Newcastle faces a tough challenge, having finished at the bottom of the Premiership for the last three seasons.

The club’s previous majority owner, Semore Kurdi, decided to sell Newcastle towards the end of last year.

Simon Massie-Talyor, chief executive of the Premiership, called Red Bull’s takeover a major moment for rugby and a strong vote of confidence in the league’s future.

He expressed excitement about Red Bull’s plans to develop local talent in the North East and expand the club’s fanbase. He also praised Red Bull’s successful history in global sports, saying it would benefit both Newcastle and the league overall.

There won’t be major changes in the club’s leadership, with Steve Diamond staying on as director of rugby.

Newcastle Red Bulls will start their season at home against six-time champions Saracens on September 26, giving players a chance to impress their new owners.