Newcastle Red Bulls begin first phase of coaching overhaul

Newcastle Red Bulls have confirmed that lineout coach Scott MacLeod will leave the club at the end of the season, as reported by RugbyPass.

The announcement comes just days after head coach Alan Dickens revealed that “I’m not here next season.”

While the Red Bulls have not formally confirmed Dickens’ departure, MacLeod’s exit is the first step of a much-expected coaching overhaul in the summer at Kingston Park.

Speculation over part-time consultant Gregor Townsend’s arrival as director of rugby has only intensified in recent weeks, not helped by Scotland’s recent loss to Italy in the opening round of the Guinness Six Nations, but the club will certainly be in the market for a new lineout coach.

Newcastle sporting general manager Neil McIlroy revealed that Newcastle’s coaching staff for next season will be announced “in due course,” after confirming the exit of the former Scotland and Newcastle lock.

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“Scott has done an outstanding job to improve our line-out during his time with us and is a highly regarded coach, as well as being a very well respected individual,” McIlroy said.

“Our incoming staff, who will be announced in due course, have strong experience in the areas Scott has been coaching. It’s an unfortunate consequence that Scott will move on as a result, but this in no way diminishes the value we place upon the work he is doing.

“He still has an important job between now and the end of the season, and we thank him for the contribution he has made during his time with the club.”

MacLeod added: “This club means a huge amount to me, and I’m proud of the work I’ve done in trying to upskill and improve our line-out.

“The players have been fantastic in how they have taken things on board, and it has been really pleasing to see us starting to make improvements as a team.

“I’m obviously disappointed to be leaving a club that I have such a fondness for after more than a decade working here, but I wish Newcastle all the best for what I’m sure will be a really exciting future.”