Red Bull expands sports portfolio with full control of new team

Good news for Red Bull: the company has taken full ownership of the rugby club Newcastle Falcons. Starting from the 2025/26 season, the team will be renamed, adopting the Austrian energy drink brand’s identity.

Rugby is hugely popular in England, especially in the northern regions. While the Newcastle Falcons will play under a new name next season, they will continue to host their home games at Kingston Park. The club will be rebranded as Newcastle Red Bulls, giving the Austrian company significant influence within the team playing in the Premiership.

Why is Newcastle so special in rugby?

In England, rugby exists in two main forms of play: Rugby Union and Rugby League. Rugby League is primarily played in the north, with teams based in cities like Hull, Leeds, and Warrington. Rugby Union, by contrast, is especially popular in the south of the country.

In this context, Newcastle stands out as a unique club. Although located far north in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, the team plays Rugby Union in a league traditionally dominated by southern clubs. This is particularly notable given Newcastle’s northern location, which is well known to anyone familiar with English geography.

Key figures react to the news of Red Bull and the Newcastle Falcons

Red Bull executive Oliver Mintzlaff responded in a press release to the groundbreaking news in the rugby world: "Together, we aim to elevate rugby to new heights and deliver unforgettable moments for our fans. We're delighted to have acquired Newcastle Red Bulls and look forward to empowering the club to reach its full competitive potential."

RFU boss (Rugby Football Union) Bill Sweeney welcomes the news..

"Red Bull's investment in Newcastle is a very positive development and demonstrates the confidence in and potential of the Gallagher Prem, which is experiencing growing attendances, increased youth audiences and rising TV viewership."