Newcastle’s Red Bull-backed rugby project has taken its first major turn just one game into the season, with Newcastle Director of Rugby Steve Diamond sacked in a move that has stunned English rugby. 

RugbyPass first reported the news Wednesday, revealing that Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend is set to join the Premiership club as an adviser, while senior coach Alan Dickens will be promoted to head coach.

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Diamond, 56, was appointed as consultant director of rugby in January 2024 and had been credited with steadying Newcastle through one of the most turbulent chapters in the team's history. 

Known as a hard-edged operator who previously led the Sale Sharks and Worcester Warriors, Diamond was hired by Newcastle for his ability to rebuild rosters in difficult circumstances.

Following the takeover of the Tyneside club by Austrian energy-drink giant Red Bull this summer, Diamond reshaped the squad under tight restrictions. 

Despite his work, RugbyPass reported that the club’s hierarchy had been exploring other options for the top role, with Townsend long considered their preferred candidate.

The Scotland boss signed a contract extension earlier this year to remain with the national side through the 2027 Rugby World Cup, but according to RugbyPass, Newcastle is set to bring him in on a part-time consultancy basis. Townsend’s involvement will be limited to periods outside international windows.

Dickens, who had been serving as senior coach under Diamond, will assume the head coach position immediately. The 49-year-old previously coached with England Under-20s and Northampton Saints before joining Newcastle. He is regarded as a steady hand to guide the transition.

Diamond’s departure comes as a surprise, primarily because of its timing. It had been thought he would remain in post until at least next summer, especially after Townsend committed his future to Scotland. Instead, Red Bull has moved decisively, signaling its intention to accelerate the club’s transformation. 

Attention already has turned to the long-term picture. 

RugbyPass also reported that Northampton Director of Rugby Phil Dowson has been increasingly linked with Newcastle. The Saints boss played for the then Newcastle Falcons between 2001 and 2009; thus, he has intimate knowledge of rugby in the area.

Highly regarded as a progressive coach, Dowson is understood to harbor international ambitions and has a clause in his Saints contract that could allow him to pursue an England role. To lure him back to Tyneside, Red Bull may have to match such aspirations.

For now, the focus is on Dickens and the immediate future. 

Newcastle is only one match into their Premiership campaign and faces the challenge of integrating Townsend’s strategic input alongside Dickens’ day-to-day leadership.

Diamond exits Kingston Park with his reputation intact, having once again provided stability at a time of upheaval. But the new ownership has made clear that its long-term vision will not wait.

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