Kiwi influence at Newcastle grows after addition of 123kg prop

Newcastle Red Bulls have confirmed their 10th new signing ahead of the start of next season, with Hurricanes, All Blacks XV and the Maori All Blacks prop Pouri Rakete-Stones the latest Kiwi to come on board.

The English-qualified prop has signed a two-year contract and joins Hoskins Sotutu and Hurricanes team-mate, Fehi Fineanganofo, in making the move from New Zealand to the North-East of England.

Able to operate on both sides of the scrum, 28-year-old Rakete-Stones has amassed almost a century of NPC appearances for his home province of Hawke’s Bay.

A Junior World champion with New Zealand U20s, the six-foot scrummager spoke of his excitement at joining the Red Bulls at such a formative stage of the club’s new era.

“Signing with Newcastle Red Bulls is an exciting chapter,” said Rakete-Stones, who was first linked to the club in Fissler Confidential, rugby’s unrivalled transfer gossip column.

“They’re building something great, and I can’t wait to add to it. I’m really looking forward to working hard with this group and making our fans proud.”

Sporting general manager Neil McIlroy added: “Pouri has been a really consistent performer for a number of years now, and we’re very happy to have secured his signature.

“He has played at a high level and forged a strong reputation in the front row, which will help us build solid foundations as we look to move this club on to the next level.”