Doncaster Knights 'assessing options' as head coach Darren Fearn departs for Newcastle Red Bulls

The 37-year-old has made the move to Newcastle Red Bulls as transition coach, returning to the club he played for as a prop before spells at Sale and Bedford. He will take up the position on July 1.

The switch comes on the back of a frustrating 2025-26 campaign for the Knights, who finished eighth, a long way off from the play-off positions they had earmarked at the start of the season.

It was halfway through the campaign when co-benefactor and club president Steve Lloyd declared an intention to revert to a hybrid model, signing future players only on part-time contracts.

Fearn, who has also previously coached at Newcastle and Northumbria universities, departs grateful for the opportunity handed to him last summer by the Knights, when he was promoted to the head coach position after a year as forwards’ coach.

“I owe Doncaster so much because they gave me a great opportunity,” said Fearn. “There are loads of really good people there, and I’ve learned so much working with the likes of Sir Ian McGeechan. Speaking to a guy as experienced and knowledgeable as him on a daily basis has been priceless.”

In a club statement, the Knights said they were “reviewing several options open to them to appoint and rebuild a strong coaching team” to work with existing quality players and others yet to be confirmed.

Lloyd added: “Darren has been a great guy to have around and in charge of the Knights.

“He is now ‘returning home’ to be near to his young family and to work within the Red Bulls coaching group. We wish him the very best and know that his relationship with Doncaster will endure at a professional and personal level.”

Newcastle Red Bulls’ academy and pathways director, John Fletcher, added: “Darren is coming here as a transition coach to work with the senior academy and associate academy players, supporting the confirmation phase coaches in transitioning players into the senior squad.

“He has played for the club, knows the region well and has been involved with both universities in the city as well as coaching England Students.

“He arrives from Doncaster where he has done a great job. All the feedback we’ve had on him has been outstanding and he’ll be a great addition here with his character and coaching ability.”