Newcastle Red Bulls' Alan Dickens: 'I'm not here next season'

Newcastle Red Bulls interim head coach Alan Dickens has confirmed that he is leaving the Gallagher PREM strugglers when his contract runs out at the end of the season.

Dickens has been the interim head coach at Kingston Park since October, when Steve Diamond left the club, and Fissler Confidential reported on Friday that he had been told his contract wouldn’t be renewed.

The former Sale Sharks, Leeds Tykes, Saracens and Northampton Saints scrum half is a very popular figure in the Red Bulls dressing room after being brought in by Diamond as attack and defence coach in July 2024.

Dickens is leaving the club because the club owned by the Austrian Energy drinks giant is bringing in Dan McFarland and Callum MacRae, both well known to the Red Bulls managing director, Jonny Petrie.

While it is the worst-kept secret in the game that Scotland boss Gregor Townsend, who is a Red Bull consultant, has agreed to become Director of Rugby when his contract runs out after next year’s World Cup.

Dickens, who has also coached England under-20’s, told TNT Sports on Friday night that even though he won’t be around next season, there is a job to finish.

“I’m not here next season, but I do wish the club well, with whoever comes in, and I sincerely mean that. And I think in terms of the players, I want the best for the players, those who are staying.

“Equally, those who are moving on, and I want them to find jobs in the country or wherever, so they continue their professional careers. I want to be professional, and I want to. There’s a job to finish here.

“It was an honour to be asked to be the interim head coach at Newcastle Red Bulls, and one that I’ve enjoyed. I’ve enjoyed the people, I’ve enjoyed the place. And as I said, I wish them well in the future,” he said.