BLUES SIGN SOUTH AFRICAN UTILITY BACK

New Brighton have signed Juan Schoeman, a young utility back from South Africa who arrived in the country on Tuesday.

Juan, coming on 21 next month, is a young player with an outstanding record. For the last two seasons he has played for the Sasol Club and had the distinction of being the highest try scorer of the year, voted the best back line and attacking player and Sasol Rugby Club player of the year. He is an accomplished 7's player and was chosen to be a part of the Blue Bulls 7's team that represented South Africa at the SCC 1 International Rugby 7's Tournament in Singapore in November 2005.

Since Riaz Fredericks, another South African, left the club two seasons ago and before him Ian Kennedy, New Brighton have not had a really top quality finisher. Without that sharp cutting edge in the backs, crucial scoring opportunities are frequently missed to the detriment of the Club's playing record and league position.

By any measure the next League game, January 7th at home against promotion favourites Nuneaton, is going to be a tough assignment but the lads are up for it and and an upset is always on the cards.

On Boxing Day there is the Annual Old Birkonians President's XV v the New Brighton Presidents XV. Juan Schoeman will have his fist game at the club with the New Brighton Presidents XV which gives him an opportunity to 'bed in', as it were, and for the supporters to take a preview of how the new signing might perform in the more serious business of the league.

At the Nuneaton game there will be free drinks at the bar for the lucky winner of the free Friends of New Brighton draw which will be made before the game.If you are not yet a member of the supporters club why not join and get your name in the hat?