Released by Ulster, Werner Kok signs one-year deal with Newcastle Red Bulls

Werner Kok, the South African winger and former Blitz Bok, has signed a one-year contract with Newcastle Red Bulls after being released by Ulster at the end of the season, the Gallagher Premiership club confirmed.

Kok, 33, was among 11 senior players let go by Ulster despite a productive campaign in which he scored 12 tries in 19 appearances and helped the province reach the Challenge Cup final. He becomes a free agent on 1 July and is Newcastle’s 22nd new signing ahead of next season, with players due to report for pre-season training next month.

The move may also reflect Newcastle’s shifting recruitment picture at winger. Hurricanes speedster Fehi Fineanganofo, who broke the Rugby Pacific try-scoring record, is reportedly keen to exit his two-year Red Bulls contract after being named in Dave Rennie’s first All Blacks squad of the year as one of four uncapped players — a development that could effectively end the club’s pursuit of the New Zealander.

Kok brings considerable pedigree to Kingston Park. A Commonwealth Games gold medallist and Olympic bronze medallist in sevens, he was named World Sevens Player of the Year in 2015 and has since built a successful career in the fifteens game with the Sharks, Toulouse, and most recently Ulster.

Incoming head coach Dan McFarland, who previously managed Kok at Ulster, welcomed the signing. “Werner is a proven try-scorer and highly experienced winger who will complement an already-exciting group of back-three players,” McFarland said. “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.”

Kok himself expressed enthusiasm for the project. “I’m really excited to be joining Newcastle Red Bulls and the Gallagher PREM. I know there have been a lot of changes made but with that comes a fresh start, and I am really excited to be part of it,” he said. “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.”