NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS SEIZE GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY, SIGN SAITAMA WILD KNIGHTS FREE AGENT OCKIE BARNARD ON FOUR-YEAR DEAL
Newcastle Knights have officially secured the signature of South African lock Ockie Barnard, seizing a golden opportunity to bring in the free agent from Japanese Rugby League One side Saitama Wild Knights on a four-year contract. The 28-year-old, who was free to join any team of his choice following his release from the Japanese outfit, has put pen to paper on a long-term deal that will see him remain with the Knights until the end of 2030.
Barnard joined Saitama Wild Knights ahead of the 2023 season and quickly established himself as a cornerstone of their forward pack, playing a pivotal role in maintaining the club’s high-performance standing in Division 1. His impressive tenure with the Japanese side has equipped him with the experience and credentials to make an immediate impact at Newcastle.
During his time with the Wild Knights, Barnard delivered consistent match-winning performances. In the ongoing 2025-26 season, he featured in key fixtures, contributing to decisive victories over Mitsubishi Sagamihara Dynaboars, Urayasu D-Rocks, and Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo. His standout campaign came in 2024-25, where he posted an 80% tackle completion rate and was instrumental in securing crucial lineout wins for the team.
Standing at 200cm and weighing 113kg, his imposing physical presence has made him one of the most respected locks in the Japanese competition, with his ability to dominate set pieces and provide defensive resilience earning him widespread acclaim. Saitama Wild Knights released a statement praising his professionalism and contributions to the club, wishing him every success in his new chapter.
Newcastle Knights’ head coach described Barnard as a “perfect addition” to the squad, highlighting his proven track record and physical attributes as key assets for the team’s future ambitions. “We identified Ockie as a top target as soon as we learned he was available as a free agent – his skill set and commitment align perfectly with our vision for the club,” the coach said.
Barnard expressed his excitement about the move, stating he was drawn to Newcastle’s ambition and the opportunity to contribute to building a successful team. “I had options to join other clubs, but Newcastle showed real commitment to their vision and I’m ready to give my all for the Knights,” he commented.
