Bath have lured promising young halfback Bernard van der Linde to join them on a two-year deal, starting at the end of this season.
Van der Linde, who has played sparingly for the Bulls, was always going to look for a more permanent spot where he could get more game time, and former Bulls and Bok assistant coach Johann van Graan was the perfect fit.
𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗦𝗜𝗚𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 ✈️ 🇿🇦
— Bath Rugby (@BathRugby) February 4, 2025
We are thrilled to share that Bernard van der Linde has signed with Bath Rugby and is set to join the club at the start of next season!
Welcome to the Blue, Black and White, Bernard 🤝 #OurJourney pic.twitter.com/sYPgALjOD0
Van der Linde is expected to replace Louis Schreuder on Bath’s player roster, with the former Sharks scrumhalf out of contract at the end of the season.
Van Graan said Van der Linde has huge potential and was looking forward to welcoming him at the Rec.
“Bernard is a player with huge potential. I saw him play as a junior and he impressed me then, both on and off the field. On the field, he is a running nine and loves the physical part of the game. Off the field, he is diligent and loves the game of rugby. I am really looking forward to seeing his growth at Bath Rugby over the next few years,” Van Graan, head of Bath Rugby, said on the announcement..
Another new signing has been unpacked ✍️
— Bath Rugby (@BathRugby) February 4, 2025
Welcome to Bath Rugby, Bernard van der Linde 🔵⚫️⚪️#OurJourney️ pic.twitter.com/sLcEEf9gNF
Van der Linde said: “As a small kid it has always been rugby all the way. There was never a thought of doing anything else in life. I remember me and my brother playing rugby in the backyard with the neighbours almost every single day after school and training my passes with my dad every time I was bored at home.
“Things I remember from a young age is that my mum and dad have always been very supportive of me and have been to almost every game I played if it was possible. So, I can’t wait for them to come and watch their first game in Bath when the time comes.”
The Bulls currently have Embrose Papier and Zak Burger as their two starting halfbacks.