Something special is brewing at Kingston Park, and Newcastle Red Bulls head coach Alan Dickens has pinpointed exactly what's behind his team's inspiring transformation: calmness under pressure.

After a challenging period that saw the team wait 399 days between Premiership victories, the Red Bulls have roared back to life with three consecutive wins that have energized players, coaches, and supporters alike. The breakthrough came with a hard-fought victory over Gloucester on Friday night, ending a 20-game winless streak that stretched back to November 2024.

But this isn't just about one win. Newcastle has also secured back-to-back victories in the European Challenge Cup and pushed Bristol Bears to the limit in an exciting league encounter where they scored four tries. The momentum is unmistakable, and the team's mental approach has been the game-changer.

"At the moment, there's a calmness from the senior players and a sense of 'what's the next job?'" Dickens explained with evident pride. He contrasts this composed mindset with previous seasons where emotion sometimes overwhelmed the team's decision-making, particularly in crucial moments.

The numbers tell an encouraging story. While the three victories came by a combined margin of just 19 points, they demonstrate Newcastle's newfound ability to stay strong when it matters most. These tight finishes show a team that has learned to handle pressure rather than crumble under it.

The win against Gloucester has brought Newcastle tantalizingly close to their rivals, now sitting just four points behind Gloucester and five behind Harlequins. Even more excitingly, a home victory against French Top 14 side Perpignan this Saturday would guarantee their place in the Challenge Cup knockout stages for the first time in four years.

Dickens offers important context for understanding this turnaround. The current squad only came together fully at the start of last month, meaning the team needed time to gel and find their rhythm. Rather than panicking during the adjustment period, the coaching staff showed faith in their process, and that patience is now paying dividends.

The coach is particularly encouraged by the growing confidence radiating through the squad. Players are not only performing better but thinking more critically about their game. After the Gloucester victory, the team's self-assessment showed impressive maturity, with players noting they had left points on the field and allowed their opponents back into the match unnecessarily.

"They are driving the standards, and for me as a coach, I love the players to take responsibility for performance," Dickens shared enthusiastically. This player-led accountability represents a cultural shift that promises sustained success rather than a temporary spike.

As Newcastle looks ahead, there's a palpable sense of optimism around the club. The combination of tactical improvements, mental resilience, and team unity has created the perfect recipe for continued growth. With momentum building and confidence soaring, the Red Bulls are proving that perseverance and the right mindset can overcome even the longest dry spells.