Ailing Newcastle receive timely boost with giant South African unveiled

Newcastle Red Bulls signing Stefan Coetzee could make his debut this Friday against Northampton Saints at Kingston Park, after the club unveiled his arrival this week.

The former Stormers, Sharks and Pumas full-back’s move to Newcastle was confirmed last month, though the club revealed that his arrival would not be immediate following the Currie Cup campaign.

The 1.96m full-back was unveiled on the Red Bulls’ social media this week clad in his new club colours ahead of what could be his debut in the Gallagher PREM on Friday night.

Despite also signing Wales great Liam Williams, neither head coach Alan Dickens nor his predecessor Steve Diamond has been able to settle upon a full-back this season.

In three PREM outings, the club have used three full-backs, with Boeta Chamberlain getting the nod for the opener against Saracens, followed by Williams against Exeter Chiefs, and most recently Ethan Grayson against Sale Sharks, with the Welshman listed as unavailable for the derby.

Fixture

Gallagher Premiership

Newcastle

19 - 36

Full-time

Northampton

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A combination of Coetzee and Williams in the back three will ensure the Red Bulls are rock solid under the high ball as they seek their first league win of the season.

The Red Bulls suffered their heaviest defeat of the season on Friday against Sale, falling 57-5. Speaking after the match, Dickens said: “We spoke at half-time in the changing room about how we gave Sale a lot of opportunities.

“We had talked about it in the week and that was disappointing.

“We said at half-time that we needed to stick together and for a long period in the second half I thought we did – probably until about the 72nd minute.

“Then they scored three quick tries and absolutely ran away with it.

“But I would never question the desire of the players. Every time they step on the field they put their bodies on the line.”