After a stint with Ireland's Ulster, Werner Kok is set to ignite the English Premiership with his electrifying pace, joining the Newcastle Red Bulls on a one-year contract. The 33-year-old South African, known for his lethal speed and agility, both on the sevens circuit and in traditional 15-man rugby, brings a wealth of experience and a knack for scoring to his new club.
Kok, a former standout for the Sharks and a key player in the Blitzboks' numerous successes, including a Commonwealth Games gold and an Olympic bronze, has left a significant mark with 29 tries in 76 appearances across his tenure at the Sharks and Ulster. His prowess on the field is not just in scoring but also in his robust play and resilience.
"I’m really excited to be joining the Newcastle Red Bulls and the Premiership. It’s a new town and a new adventure, and I really look forward to getting to know the people of Newcastle and the fans around the stadium,"
said Kok, eager to immerse himself in the local culture and contribute to the team's ambitions.His addition comes at a crucial time for Newcastle, which is undergoing a substantial overhaul in preparation for the upcoming season. The team aims to revamp its dynamics and strategies, with Kok expected to play a vital role in this transformation.
"Werner is a proven try-scorer and highly experienced winger who will complement an already-exciting group of back-three players. He is technically excellent around the contact area, a ruthless finisher, and plays with the kind of high energy, physicality, and optimism that we as a group want to develop,"
noted Dan McFarland, the incoming head coach of the Newcastle Red Bulls.The club and its fans are buzzing with anticipation, ready to welcome Kok and his wife, Zanyika, to their community. Pre-season training is just around the corner, and with talents like Kok on board, the Newcastle Red Bulls look poised to make significant strides in the Premiership landscape this season.