Cooper’s catalogue of injuries seems to be over
KYLE COOPER is delighted to be finally making an impact at Newcastle after an injury-disrupted first season on Tyneside.
Scott Lawson’s Scotland recall and an injury to Ben Sowery have opened the door for the former Sharks hooker to impress in the Falcons first team.
The 28-year-old from Johannesburg has started the last five Premiership games and scored three tries in his last two outings.
“Last season was a bit of a struggle,” Cooper admitted. “I was late getting over here because of visa problems and then, one month into it, the week before I was supposed to make my debut for the club, I injured my ankle and was out for four months.
“But I seem to have found my feet this year and things are kicking on and looking good.”
Like England internationals Chris Pennell and Henry Slade, Cooper has never allowed having Type 1 diabetes to hold him back, winning the Currie Cup with the Sharks and playing for the Junior Springboks before establishing himself in Super Rugby as an understudy to Springbok greats John Smit and Bismarck du Plessis.
Controlling his aggression was more of a challenge than his condition. “In my younger days I was fiery, and John just told me to be calm and collected but still play with fire in the belly,” he revealed.
“You want to be out there playing and adding value to the team not sat on the touchlines watching, and I think I’ve had one yellow card in my whole career.
“There are times when you have to push the limits, obviously, but I like to think I’ve found the right balance.
“I just want to get better each week and make my name in the Prem.”