Raffi Quirke joins Newcastle Red Bulls for the new rugby season
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 8, 2026, 12:07 PM
Last updated Sep 8, 2026
Scrum-half Raffi Quirke has transitioned to Newcastle Red Bulls following a tenure with Sale Sharks. As one of 25 new arrivals at Kingston Park, Quirke joins a squad currently undergoing significant operational changes under new ownership. The club has finished at the bottom of the league for four consecutive seasons, prompting a reorganization of the coaching staff and higher accountability standards in training sessions. Quirke described the move as a challenging departure from his long-term home club but emphasized his desire for a new chapter. He intends to utilize this change to regain a consistent place in the England national setup. The team is currently focused on building chemistry among a diverse roster of players recruited from various international clubs ahead of the upcoming season.
- •Raffi Quirke left Sale Sharks to join Newcastle Red Bulls this summer.
- •The club signed 25 new players to address four consecutive last-place finishes.
- •Newcastle Red Bulls implemented new training routines and coaching changes.
- •Quirke aims to use the new environment to earn a recall to the England team.
- •The squad recently completed a preseason team-building trip to Austria.
- 12:07 PMYahoo Sports — Quirke excited by 'new project' at Newcastle
- 12:07 PMBBC Sport — England's Quirke excited by Newcastle project as one of 25 new signings
"Raffi Quirke says leaving Sale Sharks was one of the hardest decisions he has had to make, but is impressed with how things are taking shape at a revamped Newcastle Red Bulls.
"Raffi Quirke says leaving Sale Sharks was one of the hardest decisions he has had to make, but is impressed with how things are taking shape at a revamped Newcastle Red Bulls.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 8, 2026, 12:07 PMQuirke excited by 'new project' at Newcastle
Raffi Quirke says leaving Sale Sharks was one of the hardest decisions he has had to make, but is impressed with how things are taking shape at a revamped Newcastle Red Bulls.
- BBC SportSep 8, 2026, 12:07 PMEngland's Quirke excited by Newcastle project as one of 25 new signings
Raffi Quirke says leaving Sale Sharks was one of the hardest decisions he has had to make, but is impressed with how things are taking shape at a revamped Newcastle Red Bulls.
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