Red Bull takeover Newcastle

Today it's been pleasing to see that the deal for Red Bull to takeover Newcastle Falcons has finally been completed. I'll take a look at what this could mean for rugby union in the region.

Sensible and realistic

Yes this is hugely exciting for anyone involved in rugby union in the north east, but there's a sense of calm amongst everyone involved. I expect things to build in a sensible way not just buying in a load of big names. Setting this expectation early on won't concern any seasoned Newcastle fans who are pleased to have a club to support. For me this is the start of a journey and what a journey it could be, but the ride will be bumpy as the new owners find their feet in the game.

A focus on youth

The main focus will be on bringing young players through in the region, this is something I think Red Bull will invest in in terms of facilities and what they can do to make the academy set up world class. As someone who grew up playing club rugby in the north east I know that football isn't for everyone. The Red Bull factor has the ability to showcase the cool side of rugby to a new audience. This will no doubt include a huge push on the student market in the north east, anyone who attended the England under 20s game last season saw that there is a rugby interest from students in the region. The challenge is going to be getting them to Kingston Park on a more regular basis.

But the exciting thing for me here is Red Bull being involved can attract new young talent to the game. Rather than kids getting disillusioned with football and being lost to sport altogether, rugby can be a home to these kids and give them a different option. I was lucky enough to have rugby at school, albeit it nearly twenty years ago now but it would be great to see rugby in the local state schools to at least give kids the option.

Facilities

There will no doubt be a look at the match day experience at Kingston Park in the short term. For what it's worth things have definitely improved in recent seasons. Will we see Greggs and Red Bull partnering for a red bull bake? If I don't see people drinking double pints of vodka red bull I'll be disappointed!

The bars are one area where fans will want to see an improvement in the service times. Beyond that if it gets to a point of selling out every home game then stadium improvements could take place. The East Stand and North Stand will be targets for that but I expect this to be a longer term thing.

A big game at St James Park

This would be a statement from Red Bull to take club rugby back to St James Park, I know in the past the concern has been about it not being cost effective, well that doesn't really matter now! I'm sure they'd market it and it'd sell very well, I'd be all for Red Bull trying this and getting the region firmly behind them in big numbers.

Semore Kurdi

Without Semore Kurdi there would be big questions about the existence of professional rugby in the north east. He's continued to fund the club and hasn't just sold at the first opportunity, he's done what's right for the future of the professional game in the region. He should be thanked for his custodianship of professional rugby union in the region.

The players, staff and supporters

I'm pleased for the players, staff and supporters who have stuck by Newcastle through the tough times, I genuinely hope the good times come. Although you may need to get used to chants of "What a waste of money" if you mess up in front of The Shed!

What's next

Pre-season will continue and Steve Diamond has said there are about six more signings to announce. Season tickets have been selling well and all roads lead to the start of the season with The Prem Cup in September. As I've said in my earlier blog post I'll be covering Newcastle this season, I said in my post I know what rugby can do for people and I'll blog about it. Yes, there will no doubt be more coverage for Red Bulls now but I'll do my bit to continue to promote the game!