Red Bull Set to Complete Deal with Newcastle Falcons
Energy drinks giant Red Bull is poised to complete a deal that will give Newcastle Falcons, who finished bottom of the Gallagher Premiership table for the third successive season, a much-needed boost. According to RugbyPass, a deal now in the hands of lawyers is nearing completion, providing a potential lifeline to the struggling club.
The Falcons, who have only won eight of their last 56 Premiership games, were put up for sale by owner Semore Kurdi over a year ago. However, earlier this year, after failing to attract any bids, it was revealed that the Falcons had been in discussions with the other nine Premiership clubs and CVC Capital Partners. As RugbyPass reported, the Falcons requested a loan of between £4m and £5m to meet the Premiership’s financial criteria for the next season before Red Bull stepped in with an offer to take them over.
Red Bull, owned by Austrian company Red Bull GmbH, is the third most recognisable soft-drink brand in the world behind Coca-Cola and Pepsi. The company has a massive sports portfolio ranging from extreme sports like cliff diving, BMXing, skiing, flying, and skateboarding to football and motor racing. RugbyPass understands that Red Bull’s rugby ambassadors have included Springbok superstar Siya Kolisi, Ireland winger Mack Hansen, and former England star Jack Nowell, and they have had a long-term interest in investing in a club.
As quoted by RugbyPass, the potential deal could be a major coup for Red Bull, who were one of the first major brands to be linked with buying an R360 franchise when the proposed competition starts next year. The Falcons are keen to finalise the deal, enabling them to make moves in the transfer market, with Ethan Grayson the only new arrival to have been announced ahead of next season.
The club is hoping that with Red Bull’s backing, they will be able to bring in a marquee name from the Southern Hemisphere on a season-long sabbatical, similar to Leinster’s deal with All Blacks star Jordie Barrett. According to sources close to the club, as reported by RugbyPass, the potential deal could be a game-changer for the Falcons, providing them with the financial stability and expertise to compete with the top teams in the Premiership.
The Gallagher Premiership table for last season saw the Falcons finish bottom, with a dismal record of two wins, 16 losses, and zero draws. However, with Red Bull’s backing, the club could potentially turn their fortunes around. As RugbyPass reported, the deal is expected to be completed within the week, providing a much-needed boost to the club and its fans.
In a potential statement of intent, Red Bull’s investment in the Falcons could signal a new era for the club. As RugbyPass noted, the deal could also have implications for the wider rugby landscape, with Red Bull’s significant resources and expertise potentially influencing the sport as a whole. With the deal nearing completion, fans of the Falcons will be eagerly anticipating the announcement and the potential benefits it could bring to the club.
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