Amid the landmark expansion of EPCR tournaments to include South Africa sides for the first time, we are looking at the South African players dotted around other clubs in the EPCR Challenge Cup. Next, it’s a journey to the North-East of England to have a look at the South African players representing the Newcastle Falcons.

Tian Schoeman

30-year-old fly-half Schoeman first came to England with Bath, but has headed to the North East ahead of the 2022-23 season.

The South African only made limited appearances in his debut Gallagher Premiership season after having quickly picked up an injury in January 2021. He previously had one season with Bordeaux in 2017-18 inbetween stints in his home country.

Philip van der Walt

Van der Walt is well known to Newcastle fans, having been with the Falcons since 2019. He helped them gain promotion in his first campaign and has now played two seasons in the Gallagher Premiership.

The lock, who has also played as a flanker, has played in Japan and France along with the Sharks and Cheetahs in South Africa.

Sebastian De Chaves

Capped internationally at an Under-20s level, 31-year-old De Chaves started his professional career in France with Mont de Marsan in 2013.

He’s mainly played in England with a number of clubs but went to the US with Austin Gilgronis in 2021. He signed for his second stint with the Falcons in May of this year, having been part of the side that won promotion in 2020.

Richard Palframan

Prop Palframan has spent his entire senior career in England. He spent several years with London Irish before stints with London Scottish and Worcester Warriors.

He joined Newcastle Falcons in 2021 and made eight appearances in a debut campaign marred by injuries.