‘Bok’ the giant South African full-back ‘privileged’ to sign with Newcastle Red Bulls
Newcastle Red Bulls sign giant South African fullback in next step of Tyneside 'revolution'
Stefan Coetzee has joined the Newcastle Red Bulls ‘revolution’ on a one-season deal. The South African full-back arrives from Currie Cup side the Pumas, as he looks to link up with his new team-mates in the coming weeks.
The 27-year-old won the Player of the Season award after starring for the side in their Currie Cup campaign, when they narrowly missed out on the semi-finals.
Speaking about his new signing, 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 full-back as we move into the Gallagher PREM season.”
James O’Connor sets bold Rugby World Cup ambition as Wallabies star issues message to Joe Schmidt
Excited to arrive in Newcastle
Coetzee added: “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 the Red Bulls, and I’m looking forward to giving it my best.”
Newcastle’s new signing was born in a small mining town called Aggeneys in the Northern Cape, and he grew up in a nearby town called Springbok. His nickname is ‘Bok’ due to the town that he’s from.
A former Blue Bulls’ U19s and U21s player, the 6-foot-5-inch full-back detailed his playing style, saying: “My main position is full-back 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. With being 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.”