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Gallagher-Prime Minister
Newcastle Red Bulls they re-entered the transfer market, adding a highlight Edinburgh lock Rob Carmichael and Great Britain 7s scrum-half Kaleem Barreto to their squad on short-term contracts.
At 2.1m (6’11), Carmichael is believed to be the tallest player still actively playing professional rugby. However, he won’t be the tallest player ever to play for Newcastle, that honor goes to former lock Richard Metcalfe, who was one inch on the Red Bulls’ latest recruit.
A native of Hong Kong, Rugby World Cup the new arrivals have long hounded Carmichael to play Test rugby for them, but so far the 23-year-old has resisted, possibly for fear of losing his EQP status.
Ex England The U20 international came through Leicester’s academy and played a few games for the Tigers before moving to Edinburgh, where he made three appearances for the main club.
Red Bulls coach Dan McFarland said: “Rob is a talented prospect who will provide valuable depth during the multi-competitive period of the season.”
Barreto, who at 1.72 m (5’8), is at the other end of the height spectrum, was born in Portugal but raised in Scotland. He played for Scotland 7s and Scotland U20s and was in the books once Glasgow Warriors early in his career, before concentrating on the shortened format of the game.
The 27-year-old will help provide cover at nine for injured new signing Raffi Quirke.
“Kaleem is a skilled player who has a good opportunity over the next few weeks, and we look forward to seeing how he does in our environment,” added McFarland.
