Werner Kok's new team has been revealed
NEWS: It’s official. Werner Kok has a new home.
On Thursday, Newcastle Red Bulls confirmed that they have signed the South African wing.
Kok will arrive on a one-year deal, having scored 12 tries in 19 appearances last season for Ulster, for whom he played 35 times in two years.
A former World Sevens Player of the Year, Kok has scored 29 tries in 76 URC matches and a further eight in his 18 European appearances, forming part of the Sharks squad which won the EPCR Challenge Cup final back in 2024.
The 33-year-old is renowned for his immense work rate, finishing prowess and dynamism in contact, having made a successful transition to 15s following a glittering international 7s career.
Proven firepower on its way to the North East 💥🏉
🗞️: https://t.co/4WqciXHobC pic.twitter.com/4E0lq3rz06
— Newcastle Red Bulls (@NCL_RedBulls) June 25, 2026
A Commonwealth Games gold medal winner with South Africa’s BlitzBoks, Kok is also an Olympic bronze medallist and multiple World Sevens Series title winner who has scored more than a century of tries in the competition.
“Werner is a proven try-scorer and highly experienced winger who will complement an already-exciting group of back-three players,” said Newcastle’s incoming head coach Dan McFarland
“He is technically excellent around the contact area, a ruthless finisher and plays with the kind of high energy, physicality and optimism that we as a group want to develop.
“We are looking forward to welcoming Werner and his wife Zanyika to Newcastle Red Bulls, and working with him when pre-season gets underway next month.”
Kok added: “I’m really excited to be joining Newcastle Red Bulls and the Gallagher PREM.
“I know there have been a lot of changes made but with that comes a fresh start, and I am really excited to be part of it.
“I hope to contribute in building a great team culture, bringing my energy and workrate, and I really just want to give my everything for the team.
“It’s a new town and a new adventure, and I really look forward to getting to know the people of Newcastle and the fans around the stadium.”
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