Gregor Townsend in the frame as Newcastle Red Bulls axe Steve Diamond

• Director of rugby's exit follows Prem defeat by Saracens

• Scotland's head coach heavily linked with north-east club

Steve Diamond has been let go by Newcastle Red Bulls just one match into the club's new era.

Newcastle have dispensed with their director of rugby's services with immediate effect, four days after they began the season with a 39-17 home loss against Saracens. Gregor Townsend has been heavily linked with an advisory role while Alan Dickens is set to step up on a short-term basis and lead the Red Bulls against Exeter this weekend.