Newman to be a Paladin

Matti Newman, a talented fullback and wing from Lincolnshire County, England, has accepted a Furman rugby scholarship and will join the Paladins this fall.

Newman is currently a starter on the Spalding Rugby Football Club. He is a past member of the Deepings Rugby Union Football Club where he was the youngest player selected to the DRUFC starting 15. For the 2012-13 season, he was the recipient of the DRUFC “Young Player of the Year” award.

Newman could help fill a void at fullback as Eric Dola, a regular at the position and the team’s 2013-14 Most Valuable Back, has graduated.

“While Matti is a natural fullback, he is a versatile, very communicative player that we could slot in 10-15,” said Furman Coach John Roberts. “He is also an excellent 7s player and a reliable kicker. We can’t wait to get him here.”

Says Newman: “I am extremely proud and excited to now call myself a Paladin, and I look forward to repaying Coach Roberts’ faith in me on the field. Furman has always been my first choice and I already feel like a part of the community there.”

Newman is the son of Andrea and Christopher Newman.