Tallest active pro player moves to PREM as Red Bulls sign two more

Newcastle Red Bulls have entered the transfer market again, adding towering Edinburgh lock Rob Carmichael and Great Britain 7s scrum-half Kaleem Barreto to their squad on short-term deals.

Standing 2.1m (6’11) tall, Carmichael is believed to be the tallest player to still be actively playing professional rugby. However, he won’t be the tallest player to have ever played for Newcastle, that honour belongs to former lock, Richard Metcalfe, who had an inch on the Red Bulls’ latest recruit.

A Hong Kong native, the Rugby World Cup newcomers have long been chasing Carmichael to play Test rugby for them but, so far, the 23-year-old has resisted, possibly over fears he’d lose his EQP status.

The former England U20 international came through Leicester’s academy and played a couple of games for the Tigers before moving to Edinburgh, where he has made three appearances for the capital club.

Red Bulls head coach Dan McFarland said: “Rob is a talented prospect who will provide valuable depth for us during a period of the season where we are playing across multiple competitions.”

Barreto, who at 1.72m (5’8), is at the other end of the height spectrum, was born in Portugal but raised in Scotland. He has played for Scotland 7s and Scotland U20s and was once on the books of Glasgow Warriors early on in his career, before concentrating on the shortened format of the game.

The 27-year-old will help provide cover at nine for injured new signing, Raffi Quirke.

“Kaleem is a skilful player who has a good opportunity over the next few weeks, and we look forward to seeing how he goes in our environment,” McFarland added.