Speedster to leave Sharks for Ulster

TRANSFER NEWS: Sharks wing and former World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year Werner Kok will be heading to Ireland later this year.

Kok will be joining Ulster on a two-year deal.

The 31-year-old is a BlitzBok champion and has been a stalwart for his nation in the Sevens game, with honours including a 2014 Commonwealth Games Gold and a bronze medallist at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.

Those skills and fitness in the Sevens have been transferred to the XV-man game, with Kok showing impressive try-scoring form for the Sharks since joining in 2020, following stints at Western Province and French Top 14 giants, Toulouse.

Kok has also shown his ball-carrying and tackling ability in the centre position for the Sharks, making him an exciting option for Ulster’s backfield.

See you soon @wernerkok1 👋 pic.twitter.com/ZucZ3rGQGx

— Ulster Rugby (@UlsterRugby) March 13, 2024

Bryn Cunningham, Head of Rugby Operations and Recruitment said: “Werner will add something different to our group with his vast experience across the Sevens game and XVs, where he has showcased his own exciting brand of rugby.

“I think he will fit in well with the talented backs in the squad, as we look to develop our options in the backfield.

“Werner’s competitiveness and tenacity in both an attacking sense and defensively, will fit right in with the energy we want this team to play with.”

Kok added: “I am looking forward to starting a new adventure in my career with Ulster and can’t wait to become an Ulster man.

“I want to thank Ulster and the team for this incredible opportunity. I hope to make you proud on and off the field.

“Moving from South Africa will be a big change for me and my wife but it’s a challenge that we are very excited for. See you soon Belfast!”