Newcastle Red Bulls build a new era at Kingston Park under Dan McFarland

Top-flight rugby has long been part of life at Kingston Park, and the stadium is now the stage for one of the most talked-about projects in English rugby. In August 2025, Red Bull took full ownership of Newcastle Rugby Ltd, and the club formerly known as the Newcastle Falcons began competing as the Newcastle Red Bulls in the 2025/26 season.

Crucially for local fans, the club stayed put. In its announcement the club said the newly named Red Bulls "will proudly remain at Kingston Park", with a commitment to developing local rugby talent through a strengthened academy programme and delivering a world class fan experience.

The first season under the new name was a hard one, but the club used it to lay foundations. In April 2026 it confirmed former Ulster boss Dan McFarland as head coach for 2026/27. McFarland, a Newcastle University alumnus who led Ulster between 2018 and 2024, joined from Kobelco Steelers in Japan, with Calum MacRae returning to Kingston Park as defence coach. By the time of the appointment, the club had already confirmed 19 signings for the new campaign.

"I'm very honoured to be joining Newcastle Red Bulls," McFarland said. "The possibilities for the club are huge, but nothing happens in sport without hard work and quality processes being put in place."

There have been early signs of that work paying off. On 12 September 2026 the Red Bulls travelled to Welford Road and beat Leicester Tigers 36-24, while home wins over Doncaster Knights, Rotherham Titans and Glasgow Warriors in late summer gave Kingston Park crowds an early taste of the new-look squad.

The matchday experience is getting plenty of attention too. Derby Weekend against Sale Sharks on Friday 23 October brings a double-header, with the Development side kicking off at 4.30pm before the Gallagher PREM clash at 7.45pm, all on one ticket. Fans can expect pyro and fireworks for the run-out, live music from local band Tattoo Rose on the West Stand concourse, and a Solo Corner where supporters coming on their own can meet fellow fans.

With European rugby also on the calendar this season, there has rarely been a better time to head to Kingston Park. Fixtures, tickets and hospitality are on the Newcastle Red Bulls website.