Schoeman arrives at Newcastle early
Injured Bath Rugby fly-half Tian Schoeman has joined Newcastle Falcons.
The South African fly-half has linked up with the Kingston Park club to continue his rehabilitation before becoming a fully-fledged member of Dean Richards’ squad for the 2022/23 season.
Making the move to Bath Rugby from the Cheetahs early in 2021, Schoeman provided support for Rhys Priestland and Orlando Bailey upon his arrival before debuting in the Gallagher Premiership against Harlequins.
He made a further five appearances but suffered a serious knee injury in an away win over Newcastle in March 2021 which restricted any further action in Blue, Black and White.
Schoeman explained: “My contract starts in July, but I’m up here already and we’ve got a house sorted in Newcastle. I’ll be up here rehabbing my knee and making sure everything is right for the start of pre-season, getting properly settled in the area, and I’m looking forward to it.”
Excited by his move to the North East, he said: “I’ve only heard good things about Newcastle, both as a city and a club.
“I know some of the guys who are already playing up here, like Philip van der Walt and Louis Schreuder, and they’ve spoken really highly about the Falcons. I’m really looking forward to playing here, and having had more than a year at Bath I’m gradually getting used to the British weather.”
“My journey at Bath was tough, with coming over in January 2021, playing five games and then suffering a serious injury - ironically here at Newcastle.
“It’s been good from a family point of view, but Newcastle is a fresh start for me and I can’t wait to get started.
“I love to watch rugby, and I’ve seen most of the Falcons’ games this season. They had a brilliant start, and one of their things throughout has always been to have a great pack of forwards. You get a lot of front-foot ball playing behind those guys, and as a fly-half that excites me.”
Born and raised in Pretoria, Schoeman spent six years with the Bulls and Blue Bulls before heading to France for a season with Bordeaux, returning to South Africa where he starred for the Cheetahs in the Pro 14 prior to joining Bath.
Bath head coach Neal Hatley said: “Tian made an immediate impact upon joining the squad, but unfortunately injuries have meant we have only seen glimpses him with ball in hand. He’s shown great resilience and been the ultimate professional as he’s fought to get back fit. We wish him and his family every success in Newcastle and hope to see him back playing soon.”
Newcastle Falcons director of rugby Dean Richards added: “Tian is a quality player who brings the skill set and attacking ambition that we want from a fly-half.
“He has performed to a consistently high level over a number of years, and despite suffering an injury setback at Bath he has been working incredibly hard to ensure he starts with us in good condition and with a clean bill of health.”