Sharks hooker joins Newcastle Falcons

The 27-year-old made his debut in 2012 and has played in nine Sharks'Super Rugby matches this season, scoring one try.

The South African Under-20 will adds loads of hooking experience to the Newcastle Falcons ranks having been an understudy to Springbok greats John Smit and Bismarck du Plessis.

Cooper is renowned for his strong scrummaging and ball-carrying ability.

During his time with Natal Sharks he has made more than 50 Currie Cup appearances, helping the province to four finals and two titles as well as playing a further 39 times in Super Rugby.

The hooker becomes Newcastle Falcons' 11th signing thus far.

Newcastle Falcons Director of Rugby Dean Richards express his delight with the clubs new recruit.

Richards said: "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,"

Commenting on his decision to swap Super Rugby for the Premiership, Cooper said: "I hope to bring excitement and a positive energy.

"I love the physical game that Newcastle play. Since I was a boy I have admired the physical style of the Premiership and I will enjoy being a part of a competition I have always loved watching,"

Talking about his move from South Africa to United Kingdom and his expectation, the hooker stated: "The cold weather is also a big plus for me!

"I have spoken to Newcastle player Mo Botha, a friend of mine who spent a season at the Sharks, and I also spoke to my Sharks coach Gary Gold, who was in charge at the [Newcastle] Falcons a few years back. They both say that if I don’t mind the weather then I will love it in Newcastle, where the guys are passionate and hard as rocks.

"I hope to fit in and excel, and it is a big move for our family. My wife and myself are very excited to move to Newcastle and the UK, and we are also excited that our three-month-old daughter Kylie will be able to spend the first few years of her life in the UK.

"We are ready for a new adventure as a family from both a rugby and lifestyle standpoint," he added.

Cooper's joins the previously announced signings of Vereniki Goneva (Leicester), Sam Lockwood (Jersey), Joel Hodgson (Yorkshire Carnegie), David Tameilau (USA), Nick Civetta (I Medicei), Andrew Davidson (Glasgow), Ben Sowrey (Worcester), Evan Olmstead (London Scottish), Harrison Orr (Ealing) and Sam Egerton (England 7s).

newcastle-falcons.co.uk