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Cape Town - Newcastle have announced the signing of back-rower Philip van der Walt on a three-year deal from the Sharks.
READ: Sharks part ways with coach Robert du Preez
The 30-year-old will arrive on Tyneside in the coming weeks upon receipt of his visa as the Falcons ready themselves for life in the Championship.
Falcons director of rugby Dean Richards said: “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 is renowned as a ball player at No 8 but relishes the physical aspects of the game, and he will also give us another top lineout option as well as being able to play in the second-row.”
Van der Walt played his first provincial rugby as a teenager with Eastern Province, going on to enjoy a successful six-season spell with Free State Cheetahs, also playing Super Rugby for the Cheetahs.
Spending a year in France with Biarritz, he joined the Sharks the following season, captaining the side and going on to play Super Rugby.
Playing for Japanese club Canon Eagles prior to rejoining the Sharks for this year’s Super Rugby campaign, Van der Walt spoke of his enthusiasm at becoming a Newcastle Falcons player.
He said: “I am very excited to join the Falcons.
“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.”
Van der Walt forms part of a summer influx which also includes USA lock Greg Peterson (Bordeaux-Begles), Tonga wing Cooper Vuna (Bath), lock Darren Barry (Worcester), prop Mark Tampin (Ealing), lock Sebastian de Chaves (London Irish), lock Toby Salmon (Exeter) and centre Gareth Owen (Leicester).
