Stephen will join as senior assistant coach, responsible for the backs and attack.
The former fly-half brings a wealth of coaching experience at international level (Wales), Premiership (Wasps), URC (Scarlets) and Super Rugby (Moana Pasifika), having won a Pro12 title with the Scarlets in 2017 and a Six Nations and Triple Crown with Wales in 2021.
A stellar playing career saw the 47-year-old earn 104 test caps in becoming Wales’ all-time second-highest point scorer, and he will add great value to Newcastle Red Bulls’ hard-working coaching team.
Stephen played a significant part in turning Moana Pasifika around over the last few seasons from a team which was at the bottom of the Super Rugby table when he arrived to a team that won six games in the 2025 season, including historic victories against the Crusaders, Blues, Highlanders and Hurricanes.
He will start his new role at the beginning of December, further reinforcing Newcastle Red Bulls’ ambition to immediately develop their performance environment.
Stephen said: “I’m incredibly excited to be joining Newcastle Red Bulls at such a pivotal moment in the club’s journey.
“This is a team with huge potential, a passionate fan base and an ambition that matches my own. I can’t wait to get started, and to build strong relationships with the current staff and players.”
Newcastle Red Bulls would like to acknowledge Manoa Pasifika’s understanding in releasing Stephen to pursue his ambitions with regard to our project, and to be in closer proximity to his family.