Steve Diamond urges realism over Newcastle Red Bulls revolution

Steve Diamond has warned Newcastle fans not to expect an instant transformation into trophy contenders on the back of Red Bull’s takeover.

The new era will be ushered in against Harlequins in the Prem Cup on Friday as Newcastle play their first competitive game since the buyout by the energy drinks giant.

They are expected to play in front of a record crowd for a cup game at Kingston Park.

But while Red Bull’s arrival has brought a surge of optimism in the north-east after years of struggle, Diamond is trying to temper expectations.

“I’ve not spoken to the squad about expectations. The expectations on the squad are to be highly competitive and professional,” Newcastle’s director of rugby said.

“The infrastructure behind the scenes is changing daily at the minute with Red Bull’s input so I think there’s a foundation needed.

“We all forget and we all get a bit giddy because Newcastle have been bottom of the league for the past five or six years having come up from a relegation, so there’s lots of hard work needed by excellent staff who already work here and new staff that hopefully will join us moving forward in all different guises.”

Four of the club’s new signings will feature for the re-named Red Bulls with former Japan number eight Amanaki Mafi and Scotland lock Jamie Hodgson included in the pack and Joel Grayson on the left wing.

The side will be captained by hooker George McGuigan who has returned to the club for his third spell.