Newcastle Red Bulls have confirmed their 10th new signing ahead of the start of next season, with Hurricanes, All Blacks XV and the Maori All Blacks prop Pouri Rakete-Stones the latest Kiwi to come on board.
The English-qualified prop has signed a two-year contract and joins Hoskins Sotutu and Hurricanes team-mate, Fehi Fineanganofo, in making the move from New Zealand to the North-East of England.
Able to operate on both sides of the scrum, 28-year-old Rakete-Stones has amassed almost a century of NPC appearances for his home province of Hawke’s Bay.
A Junior World champion with New Zealand U20s, the six-foot scrummager spoke of his excitement at joining the Red Bulls at such a formative stage of the club’s new era.
“Signing with Newcastle Red Bulls is an exciting chapter,” said Rakete-Stones, who was first linked to the club in Fissler Confidential, rugby’s unrivalled transfer gossip column.
“They’re building something great, and I can’t wait to add to it. I’m really looking forward to working hard with this group and making our fans proud.”
Sporting general manager Neil McIlroy added: “Pouri has been a really consistent performer for a number of years now, and we’re very happy to have secured his signature.
“He has played at a high level and forged a strong reputation in the front row, which will help us build solid foundations as we look to move this club on to the next level.”