Andrew van der Heijden signs for Newcastle Falcons
Newcastle Falcons have confirmed that they have signed New Zealand lock Andrew van der Heijden on a contract until the end of the 2011-12 season.
The Auckland player has been a constant feature in the ITM Cup and has also made a number of appearances for the Blues in the Super 14 League.
However, the second row will have to wait to make his debut for Newcastle after breaking his arm in a match with Tasman.
Newcastle coach Alan Tait told the BBC, "He broke his radius in the win over Tasman, and it's just our luck at the moment that we get him signed up and he picks up an injury. We've been in very close contact with the medical team over there, we've assessed
the scans thoroughly and we're confident that he will be a great addition to the squad."
Tait believes that the 26-year-old will improve the Aviva Premiership side that are currently second from bottom in the league.
"He is a big physical presence at the set piece, a leader and somebody who will add a huge amount for us in the pack. He's at a great age and he brings outstanding work rate along with a superb line-out brain,” said the Falcons coach.
Tait is expected to sign more players after the coach was handed money to use in the transfer market.
However, the former Scottish international admitted that he would only sign players that he felt would improve the first team.
"Andrew's signing comes on the back of the new investment we have had into the club, which is great news for us and our supporters. The board are right behind me in terms of bolstering the squad and adding quality in key areas,” said Tait.
The Newcastle coach believes that van der Heijden is the type of player that the Falcons need and he arrives at the club having won over 60 caps at provincial level in New Zealand.
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