Newcastle Red Bulls confirm departing players

Newcastle Red Bulls have confirmed the players who will depart the club at the end of the current season.

Centurion Sam Stuart is among the group, with the 34-year-old scrum-half having played 134 games during his nine years on Tyneside.

Elliott Obatoyinbo leaves after making 68 appearances in five seasons, with lock Seb de Chaves playing 93 times during his two spells at Kingston Park.

Freddie Lockwood moves on having scored 13 tries in his 82 outings, with flanker Tom Gordon playing 39 times during his two seasons in Newcastle.

International veterans Hame Faiva and Liam Williams had already announced their respective retirements from rugby earlier in the season, while short-term signings Bryn Gordon, Ben Healy and Jamie Clark will all head for pastures new.

Sporting general manager Neil McIlroy said: “On behalf of everybody at the club I would like to thank all of our departing players for their contribution during their time here.

“The group have been outstanding to work with during a period of huge change at the club, and they can all be proud of their efforts as part of the first wave of Newcastle Red Bulls players.

“There is understandable excitement regarding the future here, but it’s hugely important we acknowledge the part played by guys who are moving on. We wish them all the very best for whatever next steps they have in place, and they will always be welcome here.”

DEPARTING PLAYERS: Eduardo Bello, Tim Cardall, Boeta Chamberlain, Jamie Clark, Max Clark, Freddie Clarke, Stefan Coetzee, Luan de Bruin, Seb de Chaves, Jack Dickens, Connor Doherty, Bryn Gordon, Tom Gordon, Joel Grayson, Callum Hancock, Connor Hancock, John Hawkins, Ben Healy, Jamie Hodgson, Fergus Lee-Warner, Freddie Lockwood, Amanaki Mafi, Cameron Neild, Junior Newton, Elliott Obatoyinbo, Sam Stuart.