South African wing Werner Kok has joined Newcastle Red Bulls as preparations for the new Gallagher PREM season continue to gather pace.
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Werner arrives on a one-year deal having scored 12 tries in 19 appearances last season for Ulster, for whom he played 35 times in two years and was named in the URC Elite XV for the 2025/26 season.
A former World Sevens Player of the Year, Kok has scored 29 tries in 76 URC matches and a further eight in his 18 European appearances, forming part of the Sharks squad which won the EPCR Challenge Cup final back in 2024.
The 33-year-old is renowned for his immense work rate, finishing prowess and dynamism in contact, having made a successful transition to 15s following a glittering international 7s career.
A Commonwealth Games gold medal winner with South Africa’s Blitzbokke, Kok is also an Olympic bronze medallist and multiple World Sevens Series title winner who has scored more than a century of tries in the competition.
Incoming head coach Dan McFarland said: “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.
“We are looking forward to welcoming Werner and his wife Zanyika to Newcastle Red Bulls and working with him when pre-season gets underway next month.”
Kok said: “I’m really excited to be joining Newcastle Red Bulls and the Gallagher PREM.
“I know there have been a lot changes made but with that comes a fresh start, and I am really excited to be part of it.
“I hope to contribute in building a great team culture, bringing my energy and work rate, and I really just want to give my everything for the team.
“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.”
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