After playing professional rugby in New Zealand, South Africa, and Japan over a nearly decade long career Todd Clever will finally get a taste of European rugby after signing with the Newcastle Falcons. Clever recently spent time with OMBAC in the PRP but before that had several years in Japan with Suntory Sungoliath and the NTT Shining Arcs. He joins capped Eagle Eric Fry as well as U.S.-eligible Paddy Ryan on the Falcons roster.
In a press release Falcons Director of Rugby Dean Richards said: “We’re delighted to have added a player of Todd’s calibre to our squad. He is a physical defender and a powerful attacker with proven experience on rugby’s biggest stage and we look forward to seeing him in action for the Falcons. As a club we have great ambitions for the coming years and believe that Todd has a part to play in achieving those ambitions both on and off the field.”
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For his part Clever said “The club is expecting big things in the next few years and I’m looking forward to it. It’s good to be in the situation as a new player coming in where people expect big things. It’s going to be a really exciting time for the Falcons and I’m thrilled to join. I hope I can go good on the field and off it too, help the team atmosphere and hopefully help the Falcons family to grow.
“In the past I’ve had opportunities to come to Europe but because of where I was in life it didn’t seem to be the right place for me. But now I’m really hungry for it and really excited, and I’m looking forward to the opportunity to play here.
“I know Eric, played for the Barbarians last week with Ally Hogg and I played with Alesana in Japan; there are a few guys I know so I’m excited to catch up with them! People keep telling me the surf’s good here so I’m looking forward to someone taking me to the beach to scope that out!”