Friday at Kingston Park marks the beginning of a new era for Newcastle, who enter the 2025–26 Gallagher PREM Rugby season as the Red Bulls following the high-profile takeover. 

The investment has reshaped the club’s outlook and sparked optimism among supporters who have endured years of struggles at the foot of the table. Their opening test could not be tougher, with Saracens travelling north to face them in Round 1.

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Saracens remain one of the giants of English rugby. Six-time domestic champions and three-time European champions, they enter another campaign with their hallmark blend of set-piece dominance and international talent. Led by England’s Maro Itoje, Saracens aim to reassert themselves this season after recent ups and downs.

This matchup contrasts Newcastle’s rebrand and rebuild against Saracens’ proven pedigree. It is a fitting storyline for Round 1: a fresh identity looking to prove it belongs against one of the league’s most decorated clubs.

FloRugby Top 100 Players To Watch

From the FloRugby Top 100 list:

• Maro Itoje (14), Saracens
• Elliot Daly (41), Saracens
• Ben Earl (85), Saracens

Newcastle Red Bulls vs. Saracens Storylines Heading Into Round 1

Newcastle’s takeover by Red Bull has cleared debt and created momentum. The question is how quickly those off-field changes will translate to performance. For Saracens, the challenge is continuity and execution. With Owen Farrell back in their ranks, Saracens have an experienced general to offset the absence of Maro Itoje, Ben Earl and Elliot Daly, who are all being rested post Lions with Daly rehabbing an injury he sustained on tour. Newcastle will back themselves to lay down an early season marker against one of the competition's pre-season favourites.

FloRugby Athlete’s Lounge Coverage

FloRugby’s Athlete’s Lounge streams free at 2:30 p.m. ET on Friday, Sept. 26. Hosted by Dallen Stanford with USA Rugby head coach Scott Lawrence, the show will provide live previews of Newcastle vs. Saracens and other Round 1 fixtures. Fans can watch on FloRugby, the FloSports app, YouTube, and Facebook.

Newcastle Red Bulls vs. Saracens Kickoff Time

Friday, Sept. 26, 2:45 p.m. ET — Newcastle Red Bulls vs. Saracens, Kingston Park.

How To Watch PREM Rugby Round 1

Fans in the United States can stream Newcastle Red Bulls vs. Saracens live on FloRugby and the FloSports app. Full match replays and highlights will also be available on demand.

Subscribe To The FloRugby Annual Plan To Watch Every Match

The FloRugby annual plan offers live and on-demand access to every Gallagher PREM Rugby fixture, plus exclusive coverage, highlights and analysis all season.

European Union Rugby Lives On FloSports And FloRugby

Rugby fans can stream every match from the Top 14, Gallagher Premiership, and United Rugby Championship on FloRugby, along with the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup, making the platform the U.S. home for the world’s biggest club competitions and the game’s top players

How To Watch Rugby Matches In The United States On FloRugby

Professional club rugby in Europe all streams on FloRugby and the FloSports app in the United States. FloRugby and FloSports also are the U.S. home to: 

• United Rugby Championship
• PREM Rugby
• Top 14
• Investec Champions Cup
• EPCR Challenge Cup
• Currie Cup
• Super Rugby
• And more

FloRugby also is home to match archives and match replays. 

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