Kok Lands Blockbuster Gallagher Premiership Move After Ulster Exit
Former Sharks winger Werner Kok is set to make the move across the Irish Sea as he swaps Belfast for Newcastle upon Tyne.
Following his release after two seasons with Irish province Ulster, where he left an indelible mark, Kok has signed a one-year deal with Gallagher Premiership club Newcastle Red Bulls.
The former Blitzboks star enjoyed an outstanding final campaign in Belfast, scoring 12 tries in 19 appearances. He finished his two-year spell with Ulster having crossed the whitewash 15 times in 35 matches.
The move brings an end to his time in the United Rugby Championship (URC), where he scored 29 tries in 76 appearances across spells with the Sharks and Ulster. During that period, he helped the Sharks lift the EPCR Challenge Cup in 2024 before playing a key role in Ulster’s run to last season’s final.
Kok has built a reputation as a player renowned for his relentless work rate, clinical finishing and physicality in contact. He has successfully transitioned to the 15-man game following a glittering sevens career.
The 33-year-old was named the 2015 World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year, helped the Blitzboks win gold at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, and claimed an Olympic bronze medal at the Rio 2016 Games. He has also won multiple World Rugby Sevens Series titles and scored more than 100 tries on the circuit.
Incoming Red Bulls head coach Dan McFarland says he is looking forward to welcoming Kok to the club ahead of next season, with pre-season training set to begin next month.
“Werner is a proven try-scorer and a highly experienced winger who will complement our already talented group of back-three players,” said McFarland.
“He is technically excellent around the contact area, a ruthless finisher, and plays with the kind of energy, physicality and optimism that we want to develop as a group.”
“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,” he added.
Despite the significant changes at the club, the Mbombela-born Kok is relishing the opportunity to embrace a fresh challenge.
“I’m really excited to be joining Newcastle Red Bulls and the Gallagher Premiership,” said Kok.
“I know there have been a lot of changes, but with that comes a fresh start, and I’m really excited to be part of it.
“I hope to contribute to building a great team culture, bringing my energy and work rate, and I just want to give my all for the team.
“It’s a new city and a new adventure, and I really look forward to getting to know the people of Newcastle and our fans around the stadium.”
