Catalans Dragons\u2019 Sporting Director Neil McIlroy has departed with immediate effect to take up a role as the Sporting General Manager of Premiership Rugby outfit Newcastle Red Bulls.<\/p>\n
Scotsman McIlroy first joined Catalans<\/a> back in October 2022, and had two stints in Perpignan which were separated by a few months\u2019 hiatus to work with Montpellier H\u00e9rault Rugby as they restructured.<\/p>\n Returning to the Stade Gilbert Brutus in January 2024, he has helped to oversee the Dragons\u2019 last two Super League<\/a> campaigns: and was involved in aiding the transition from Steve McNamara to Joel Tomkins in the head coach role.<\/p>\n Prior, he\u2019d spent just shy of 20 years working in union with ASM Clermont, assuming a role as their General Manager towards the back end of his lengthy stint.<\/p>\n Now, he will depart Catalans and return to the UK to join Newcastle Red Bulls, who have just been taken over by the globally-known energy drink brand and are \u2013 as you\u2019d expect \u2013 being well backed to try and make a success of it.<\/p>\n Catalans Dragons chief makes immediate rugby union switch as new club confirmed<\/p>\n Catalans confirmed McIlroy\u2019s departure with a press release earlier this week, with the 57-year-old set to officially take up his new role in the North East on November 1.<\/p>\n He said: \u201cI am very grateful to Bernard (Guasch, Dragons owner) for allowing me to return after my spell in Montpellier.<\/p>\n \u201cI have always given everything to help the club through a difficult period and to prepare for the future.<\/p>\n \u201cThe challenge that awaits me with the Red Bulls is both immense and highly motivating \u2013 not to mention that I will be experiencing a climate I haven\u2019t known for 30 years!<\/p>\n \u201cI leave wishing the club all the best for its 20th anniversary and extend my sincere thanks to the players, the staff, the management, everyone involved in the club, and of course Bernard.\u201d<\/p>\n Notably, Wigan Warriors winger Christian Wade will also link up with Red Bulls<\/a> once the current Super League campaign comes to an end.<\/p>\n THURSDAY\u2019S READS ON LRL<\/p>\n \ud83d\udc49 Summing up the key points in Derek Beaumont\u2019s 4,465-word statement as officials attacked, fan protests \u2013 and is the game going ahead?<\/a><\/p>\n \ud83d\udc49 Australia\u2019s Ashes squad leaked with seven debutants and England-eligible duo to make cut<\/a><\/p>\n \ud83d\udc49 Exclusive \u2013 Wakefield Trinity forward set for move to Super League rivals as interest builds<\/a><\/p>\n