Coetzee joins Chamberlain at Newcastle
TRANSFER NEWS: Newcastle Red Bulls acquired the services of another South African back to bolster their squad ahead of the upcoming PREM season.
Stefan Coetzee is the latest player to join the Newcastle revolution, with the South African fullback arriving on a one-season deal.
The 27-year-old has shone for the Pumas during South Africa’s Currie Cup, earning their player of the season award, and will link up with his new teammates in the coming weeks.
Director of rugby Steve Diamond said: “Stefan is a very dynamic ball carrier who is good under the high ball.
“He’s gone well for the Pumas in the Currie Cup, he’s keen to learn and he’ll give us some depth at fullback as we move into the PREM season.”
Coetzee, whose Pumas side narrowly missed out on the semifinals of the Currie Cup, said: “I’m very excited to come and play in the UK – especially at Newcastle, with everything going on at the club at the moment.
“It’s a massive privilege to be involved with Newcastle, and I’m looking forward to giving it my best.”
A member of the Blue Bulls’ Under-19s and 21s set-ups whilst completing his degree in education at the University of Pretoria, the six-foot-five signing explained:
“I was born in a small mining town called Aggeneys in the Northern Cape, and I grew up in a nearby town called Springbok. My nickname is actually ‘Bok’ due to the town that I’m from.
“My main position is fullback, and I also like to play on the wing, but I’m a utility player and I’m happy to go wherever the coaches tell me. If they put me in at prop, I’d even give it a go!
“I pride myself on my aerial skills. As a taller guy, I can jump really high, so that’s a big part of my game, and then I’d also say my long kicking would be a strength.”
Newcastle are next in action on Friday, September 26, when they host Saracens in the opening round of the PREM, having defeated Harlequins 26-14 in their PREM Rugby Cup opener.
