'Start-up' Newcastle tapping into Red Bulls spirit

Newcastle Red Bulls, a rugby team, are gearing up for the upcoming Premier League season. With new ownership by Red Bull, they are determined to tackle the challenge with a fearless spirit reminiscent of their owners. After finishing at the bottom of the table for four consecutive seasons, the team has made significant changes, including the hiring of new head coach Dan McFarland.

McFarland, who previously worked with Red Bull in Japan, is eager to make an impact at Newcastle. He acknowledges the daunting task ahead, as they start at the bottom of the league, facing top teams like Northampton Saints, Leicester Tigers, and Exeter Chiefs in their opening fixtures. McFarland emphasizes that this is exactly the kind of challenge a Red Bull team would relish, highlighting the rarity of such backing from a corporation like Red Bull.

The team has recruited 25 new players, which presents a challenge in getting everyone to gel quickly. However, they took advantage of a pre-season trip to Red Bull's headquarters in Salzburg, Austria, to help foster teamwork and camaraderie among the players. McFarland compares this season to Max Verstappen's challenge of racing behind 100 amateur drivers in a go-kart race, emphasizing that Newcastle will pick off the teams ahead of them with determination and enthusiasm.