Newcastle Red Bulls sign ex-Australia U20 and Leinster A prop

Newcastle Red Bulls have signed former Australia Under-20 international loosehead Jamie Clark, who has played for Leinster A, on a deal until the end of the season.

Clark, 23, who came through the ranks at the New South Wales Waratahs’ academy and played for the Junior Wallabies at the Junior World Cup, arrives from Irish club Old Wesley and is English-qualified through his father.

He has already started training with his new teammates and says that he is determined to make the most of the opportunity after helping Old Wesley win the All-Ireland League Division 1B title.

“I’m here until the end of the season, and I’m just keen to make the most of the opportunity. Being in an environment like this and learning from all the players and coaches around me, it’ll be a great experience, and I’m determined to make the most of it.

“I’m super-excited about the whole thing, and it’s always been a dream to go into that pro rugby environment and test myself. I went to Shore School in North Sydney, playing my Colts rugby for the Sydney University club.

“I had a year of playing for Australia Under-20s and represented them in the Junior World Championship, after which I spent a year playing for Northern Suburbs in the Shute Shield before heading over to Ireland.

“I’ve spent this season in Dublin with Old Wesley, playing at Donnybrook, which has been a great experience, and I’ve also had a few games for Leinster A.

“We won our league last weekend, so we’ve now been promoted to the top division of the All-Ireland League, and that was a nice note to end on after what has been a really fun year with a great group of guys,” he said.

Newcastle Red Bulls sporting general manager Neil McIlroy said the club were delighted to give him a chance to impress after having their front-row resources pushed to the limit by injuries and hinted at a longer stay.

“We’re glad to be able to bring Jamie in for the remainder of this season, having had our front-row resources pushed to the limit by injuries.

“He has shown great promise while playing in Ireland, and we are keen to evaluate his credentials with a view to possibly offering him a place in our squad in the future.

“Jamie has made a positive first impression, having arrived last week, and we look forward to working with him during the run-in to our campaign,” said McIlroy.