Ollie Leatherbarrow extends stay at Newcastle Red Bulls

Back-row forward Ollie Leatherbarrow has committed to Newcastle Red Bulls for the next two seasons. The 23-year-old has scored three tries in seven appearances this season, with the former Scotland Under-20s international joining in the summer of 2023.

Playing 28 times in total so far for Newcastle, the former Exeter University BUCS Super Rugby captain said: “I really enjoy it here and I’m delighted to have another two years with the club. “There are a lot of new faces but it’s a great set of lads, and I’m looking forward to being part of what will be a really exciting future here under Red Bull.”

Winning back-to-back BUCS Super Rugby titles during his time as an economics student at Exeter, the former Sale Sharks academy player said: “The last few years have been tough at times, but I’ve learned a lot and improved as a player.

“I’ve had to be patient and I’ve not played as much as I would have liked over the last couple of seasons, but I’ve let that go and stayed positive. I’ve used it as fuel for when I have been selected, looking to channel it into hard work during the training week and supporting my team-mates.

“I know I need to make the most of my opportunities when they come around because it’s a hugely competitive back-row group here. I’m just buzzing to be part of it during this exciting period for the club, and am really happy to have the contract sorted.”

Sporting general manager Neil McIlroy said: “Ollie is a player in whom we see a lot of potential, and he has already started to show it on the field. “He has demonstrated great determination and taken his opportunities when they have come round in recent months, so we look forward to having him on board for this journey.”