Newcastle drafts Kyle Cooper from Sharks

by Matthew Wood Thursday 30 June 2016

Newcastle director of rugby Dean Richards, pictured, has added Kyle Cooper to his squad

©Press Association

Newcastle Falcons have announced on Thursday the signing of former South Africa U20 international Kyle Cooper ahead of the upcoming season.

Cooper's signing with the English Premiership club will end his six-year association with South African club Sharks as he represented them in Currie Cup and Super Rugby.

The 27-year-old is the 11th new signing for the club ahead of the upcoming season and he is expected to join the squad in August.

Director of rugby at Newcastle Falcons Dean Richards was excited with the signing of Cooper, who he believes will be handy with his experience in Super Rugby.

“We are delighted to have tied up a deal for Kyle, who has vast experience at a high level.

"He has played a lot of Super Rugby for the Sharks, he is a quality player and his arrival gives us significant competition for places at hooker along with the likes of Scott Lawson, Ben Sowrey, Santiago Socino and David Nelson."

The Falcons had a disappointing 2015/16 season where they finished 11th in the group stage after securing 27 points from 22 games.