Newcastle Red Bulls have dipped into the CHAMP to make Coventry’s former Scotland under-18 back-row Allan Ferrie their 19th new signing ahead of next season.
Ferrie, 26, who is English-qualified, has been a regular try-scorer in this season’s CHAMP, dotting down seven times in 15 appearances after joining from Southern Districts in Australia’s Shute Shield last summer.
He started out at his local club, Newton Stewart, before joining Melrose, going on to play Super 6 rugby for the Southern Knights and has an X-Factor, according to Red Bulls Sporting general manager Neil McIlroy.
“Allan hasn’t followed the traditional route into professional rugby, but he has worked incredibly hard and has an X-factor about him.
“He was getting great reviews from his time in Australia, and we have been closely monitoring his progress at Coventry, so he fully deserves this opportunity,” he said.
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Ferrie, who plays lock as well as on the blindside, played for the Southern Knights in the Doddie Weir Cup game against Newcastle at Kingston Park and says he cannot wait to move to the North East this summer.
“I’m absolutely buzzing to come up to Newcastle and can’t wait to get started in the summer. I’ve had a great experience with Coventry this year.
“And I’m determined to finish the season strongly with them before throwing everything into what I know is a massive opportunity.”
“I’m actually good mates with Doddie’s sons, which is another link to the club, and then from Southern Knights I moved down to Sydney before getting the chance to go full-time with Coventry this season.
“That has been a big step for me, but I’ve loved the experience, and I’m just determined to keep improving on the back of this move.
“I’d say ball-carrying would be my main strength. But I just want to learn from all the players and coaches at Newcastle when I arrive in the summer and really make the most of this opportunity,” said Ferrie.