Newcastle Red Bulls confirm changed coaching line-up for next season

Newcastle Red Bulls have confirmed their coaching team for the 2026/27 season, which will be headed by former Ulster boss Dan McFarland.

The former Richmond, Stade Francais and Connacht prop spent six years as the man in charge of Ulster (2018-2024) before leaving for Japan and making a positive impact at Japan Rugby League One title contenders, Kobelco Steelers.

McFarland has long been linked with the Red Bulls job, given his friendship with Red Bulls consusltant Gregor Townsend, which was forged during the four years he spent as an assistant coach at Glasgow and then Scotland. RugbyPass first mentioned McFarland as a contender for the job at the start of this year,

“I’m very honoured to be joining Newcastle Red Bulls,” said McFarland.

“The club and wider region has a fantastic rugby tradition which I am very respectful of, and keen to learn more about.

“I’m looking forward to working with all the players and support staff, and being heavily involved in one of the most exciting projects in world rugby at the moment.

“Newcastle Red Bulls are a club intent on success. The possibilities for the club are huge, but nothing happens in sport without hard work and quality processes being put in place.

“The excellent work done on recruitment has meant that there will be lots of new talent arriving in the North East to join the team, and after a great experience out in Japan over the past couple of years I’m looking forward to getting stuck into this exciting new challenge.”

Meanwhile, Calum MacRae will head back to Kingston Park as defence coach once his duties with Italian side Benetton are concluded at the end of the current season.

Stephen Jones, who is currently holding the fort as head coach, will revert back to his role as attack coach and Micky Ward (scrum coach) and Lee Dickson (skills and transition coach) will remain in position.

Long-serving coach Mark Laycock takes up the role of coaching co-ordinator and transition coach.