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Newcastle add 110kg full-back Stefan Coetzee to their ranks
By Josh Raisey
With just over a week remaining before Newcastle Red Bulls get their Gallagher PREM season underway against Saracens at Kingston Park, the club have recruited South African full-back Stefan Coetzee on a one-year deal.
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The 27-year-old will arrive in Newcastle fresh from a strong campaign with the Pumas in the Currie Cup, a competition he has plenty of experience in with various teams.
The full-back, who hails from Springbok in South Africa, is expected to link up with his new side in the coming weeks, so will miss the start of the domestic season. He will join a raft of southern hemisphere signings that will team up with their new squad after the season has started.
Newcastle director of rugby Steve Diamond has praised the South African’s aerial ability, which is unsurprising given his 1.96m, 110kg frame.
“Stefan is a very dynamic ball carrier who is good under the high ball,” Diamond said.
“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.”
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.
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“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.”