Werner Kok joins Newcastle Red Bulls
Werner Kok joins Newcastle Red Bulls on a one-year deal after scoring 12 tries for Ulster ahead of the Gallagher PREM season.
©Steve Haag
South African wing Werner Kok has joined Newcastle Red Bulls on a one-year deal as the club continues to strengthen its squad ahead of the new Gallagher PREM season.
Werner Kok Joins Newcastle Red Bulls
Kok arrives from Ulster after an impressive campaign in which he scored 12 tries in 19 appearances. Across two seasons with the Irish province, he made 35 appearances and established himself as a powerful, high-energy back-three option.
The 33-year-old brings significant experience to Newcastle, having scored 29 tries in 76 United Rugby Championship matches and eight more tries in 18 European fixtures.
Newcastle Red Bulls Strengthen Back Three
A former World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year, Kok made his name with South Africa’s Blitzbokke before successfully moving into the 15-a-side game. He was part of the Sharks squad that won the EPCR Challenge Cup in 2024.
Kok’s sevens career included Commonwealth Games gold, Olympic bronze and multiple World Sevens Series titles. His pace, contact skills and relentless work rate have remained key strengths throughout his move into club rugby.
Dan McFarland Welcomes Werner Kok
Incoming head coach Dan McFarland said Kok’s experience, finishing ability and energy would complement Newcastle’s existing back-three options. He also praised the winger’s technical quality around contact and his physical approach to the game.
“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 he was excited to join Newcastle Red Bulls and the Gallagher PREM, describing the move as a fresh start.
“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.”
