Red Bull takeover will give Newcastle wings

'SLEEPING GIANTS’ READY TO RISE

- By Neil Squires

NEWCASTLE will be going big-game hunting after Red Bull completed a takeover which threatens to turn English rugby on its head.

The energy drinks giant, valued in excess of £15billion, have taken control with the promise of transforming the Premiership club — who have finished bottom in each of the past three seasons ~ into title challengers.

The exciting new era for rugby in the North East will bring with it a name change to Newcastle Red Bulls — and the prospect of serious firepower coming to Kingston Park.

Director of rugby Steve Diamond said: “It’s not going to be a sleeping giant any more. It has awoken.