Versatile Boks back signs for Falcons
Jun 18 2009 by Nick Purewal, The Journal
FORMER Springbok Schools international Chris Micklewood has signed for Newcastle Falcons, bolstering Steve Bates’ options behind the scrum.
The 22-year-old is equally comfortable at fly-half, centre or full-back, and has signed a two-year deal on leaving French club Brive.
English qualified, Micklewood represented South Africa Under-18s when at the Natal Sharks academy.
The goal-kicker boosts numbers in the Falcons’ back-line, and will initially provide good cover for Alex Tait at full-back.
The ninth signing of the summer, Micklewood joins new faces Kieran Brookes, Filipo Levi, James Hudson, Josh Afu, Jimmy Gopperth, Rob Vickerman, Tom Biggs and Charlie Amesbury at Kingston Park.
Falcons rugby director Bates is nearing the end of his recruitment and rebuilding drive and is also nearing a deal for Springbok international Gcobani Bobo. The centre played on the wing in Western Province’s 23-26 defeat by the British Lions on Saturday.
Should Bates and Falcons chairman Dave Thompson tie up that deal and several others, then they will be pleased with the size of their squad.
Thompson vowed to cut the numbers when he recommitted to his stewardship of the club, but Bates has spoken candidly about the determination to improve quality.
Happy he has already achieved his aim, but aware of the hard work ahead in building his new-look squad into a strong team, Bates said Micklewood will prove a valuable addition.
“Depth is always something we have been looking to improve in this process this summer, because while we were always going to reduce numbers we also knew we needed to have the requisite cover and strength throughout the squad,” said Bates.
“Chris’s versatility will be very useful for us, and it’s important we add another goal-kicker into the mix as well. We’re still working on a number of things with regards to bringing a couple more people in, but we’ve been relaxed and confident about this process for a good while now.
“Certainly as far as full-back is concerned, we are very pleased with Alex Tait and I think he can go from strength to strength this season. Then in the centres we have Tane, of course, who had a fantastic first season with us, and we have brought in Rob Vickerman from Leeds, who we expect to make a strong impact.
“Jimmy Gopperth is a big signing for us at fly-half as well, so there are quite a few changes in the backline, but positive ones, we feel.”
