Red Bull complete Newcastle Falcons takeover

Energy drinks giant Red Bull has completed its takeover of English top-flight club Newcastle Falcons.

Newcastle, who were put up for sale towards the end of last year, are the first rugby union club to become part of the Red Bull stable and will now be known as Newcastle Red Bulls.

The Austria-based company already has significant interests in football, motor racing and winter sports.

Newcastle have finished bottom of the Premiership - renamed the Gallagher Prem for the new campaign - in each of the past three seasons, but this deal secures their long-term future.

Semore Kurdi, who had been majority owner since 2011, put the Kingston Park club up for sale towards the end of last year.