Philip van der Walt has admitted his excitement after joining Newcastle Falcons on a three-year deal from Super Rugby side the Sharks. The 30-year-old is yet to be capped by the Springboks but has also played for the likes of Free State Cheetahs, French side Biarritz and Japan’s Canon Eagles, but will now ply his trade in Gosforth.
It will be the back-row star’s first foray into the English game and he cannot wait to get going ahead of the new campaign. “I am very excited to join the Falcons,” he said. “I am looking forward to meeting the team, learning from their experience and contributing as best as I can. “It is a whole new experience for my family and I.
We have never been to the UK and we are looking forward to experiencing Newcastle, its people and the change in environment.” Falcons director of rugby Dean Richards feels the Eastern Cape-born ace will give his side a much-needed boost as they aim to bounce back to the Premiership at the first time of asking.
“Philip’s signing is great news for the club because he brings us experience, leadership and a huge amount of ability in a key area of the team,” he said. “He is renowned as a ball player at number eight, but relishes the physical aspects of the game, and he will also give us another top line-out option as well as being able to play in the second row.”
