Stefan Coetzee is the latest player to join the Newcastle Red Bulls revolution, with the South African full-back arriving on a one-season deal.

The 27-year-old has shone for the Pumas during South Africa’s Currie Cup, earning their Player of the Season award, and will link up with his new team-mates in the coming weeks.

Director of rugby Steve Diamond said: “Stefan is a very dynamic ball carrier who is good under the high ball.

“He’s gone well for the Pumas in the Currie Cup, he’s keen to learn and he’ll give us some depth at full-back as we move into the Gallagher PREM season.”

Coetzee, whose Pumas side narrowly missed out on the semi-finals of the Currie Cup, said: “I’m very excited to come and play in the UK – especially at Newcastle, with everything going on at the club at the moment.

“It’s a massive privilege to be involved with the Red Bulls, and I’m looking forward to giving it my best.”

A member of the Blue Bulls’ Under-19s and 21s set-ups whilst completing his degree in education at the University of Pretoria, the 6 foot 5 signing explained: “I was born in a small mining town called Aggeneys in the Northern Cape, and I grew up in a nearby town called Springbok. My nickname is actually ‘Bok’ due to the town that I’m from.

“My main position is full-back and I also like to play on the wing, but I’m a utility player and I’m happy to go wherever the coaches tell me. If they put me in at prop I’d even give it a go!

“I pride myself on my aerial skills. With being a taller guy I can jump really high, so that’s a big part of my game, and then I’d also say my long kicking would be a strength.”

Newcastle Red Bulls are next in action on Friday September 26 when they host Saracens in the opening round of the Gallagher PREM, having defeated Harlequins 26-14 in their PREM Rugby Cup opener.

STEFAN COETZEE BIOG

Position: Full-back

Born: 6/1/1998

Height: 1.96m (6 foot 5)

Weight: 110kg (17 stone 5)