Falcons Sign Springbok
By Mally (20/11/02)
November 20 2002
The rumours have been flying round for a few days now, Mark Andrews, the most capped Springbok of all time, had been seen at Kingston Park, was he going to sign for us? Well the deed has been done.
Today Falcons formally announced the signing of Mark Andrews, on a contract which runs to June 2004 and his player profile is already up on the official website!
With 77 Springbok caps to his name Andrews brings a huge amount of experience to the side, something which Rob Andrew remarks on:
“Mark Andrews could turn out to be one of our best signings. He has the experience, is not too old and most importantly wants to make a name for himself in Europe like he has in South Africa and the whole of the southern hemisphere. He’s a genuine leader and was a regular captain of Natal, who he has played for during the last 11 years. Mark is very loyal and in fact we will be only his second senior club”.
Mark Andrews’
South Africa RU profile describes him as a ‘world class lineout jumper’ with ‘outstanding skills in the lineouts and at kick-offs. The profile also stresses his ‘tenacity and fierce competitive spirit’ qualities which going by the Falcons’ performance in their last few matches the team desperately need.
Mark’s signing has caused a fair amount of comment on the Message Board, second row is one of Falcons’ stronger areas, with Grimes, Vyvyan, Hamilton and Springgay already competing for the second row spots. Speculating on what Andrews signing means for the current Falcons TouchLine commented:
“Presumably the plan is for Andrews and Grimes to play 2nd row with Stretch (Hamilton) / Springgay on the bench, Vyvyan at No 8, Dunbar out to grass and Epi back on the wing. If that's not it then I'm baffled.”
It has also been suggested that Andrews may play in the back row, however surely that would seem to be a waste of someone who is regarded as a top class second row? As Rob comments Mark Andrews is so well regarded he had ‘offers from all over the world’.
“However, he chose to come here because he feels there is a massive potential and he can make a big impression. He feels Kingston Park is the best place for him to have the biggest influence and by the time he has finished he will have made as big a mark and everyone will be talking about him in the same way they talk about Inga (Tuigamala) and Pat (Lam)”.
Fans will have to wait a while to see what effect Mark Andrews’ signing will have on the pack, as he does not arrive until January. For most Falcons fans his arrival can’t come soon enough, whichever position he plays, whether second or back row he will add much needed experience and leadership to the pack and will no doubt be someone who the “fledgings” can learn a great deal from.
There is even more good news for Falcons fans as Rob Andrew is ‘still looking for quality players in various positions’ with Mark Andrews being ‘the first of hopefully several signings’. So while we all get out our Christmas wish list and start telling our DoR who we’d like to see at Kingston Park, welcome to Newcastle Mark!
So what do YOU think? Good signing? And who'd be on your wish list? Post your comments on the Messaage Board!
