Newcastle Falcons forward Philip van der Walt has signed a three-year contract extension at the club.
The 31-year-old has made 32 appearances since joining from South African side the Sharks three years ago, having previously played with French club Biarritz, Japanese side Canon Eagles and South Africa's Free State Cheetahs.
Van der Walt told the club website: “For me, I just want to help build on what we've done so far, and whilst I know there are a lot of improvements needed I'm just excited that I will be part of that process for the club.”
Having missed a chunk of the season with a knee injury, Van der Walt is fit and could feature against London Irish on Friday night.
He said: “It's always disappointing whenever you have an injury, but at the same time it's also an opportunity to reflect and look at how you can improve on certain things.
“I've worked hard physically in the gym to try and better myself, and I'm very comfortable with where my knee is at. I feel like I've come back stronger, and I'm just looking forward to playing with the lads again.
“The only thing I would say from a negative side regarding having an injury, it's the isolation that really hurts you. You feel like you're all by yourself, and I'm looking forward to this last block of games now that I'm fit again, and just trying to be involved.
