The Vodacom Bulls have strengthened their playing stocks with the signature of Edinburgh utility back Henry Immelmann.
Immelmann was considered one of the brightest young schoolboy stars before he left for Montpellier in France and thereafter joined Edinburgh.
The Bulls have signed him on a three-year deal that starts on 1 July 2023.
The former Grey College star, who also played for CUT Ixias in his time, has played more than 100 first-class games and now at 27 years old wants to return home.
He has been a mainstay in Edinburgh’s team and has played well alongside the Argentinean wing-cum-fullback Emiliano Boffelli.
?? NEW SIGNING ALERT ??
— Official Blue Bulls (@BlueBullsRugby) January 17, 2023
Welcome to the squad, Henry Immelman ??
After impressive stints at Montpellier and Edinburgh, Immelman returns to South Africa, ready to don the Blue ??#TrueToTheBlue@Vodacom pic.twitter.com/BNU9QXP4Dd
Blue Bulls Company (BBCo.) Chief Executive Edgar Rathbone was delighted to add depth to the squad with Immelmann’s signing.
“Henry’s homecoming adds to our depth as the Vodacom Bulls, as it rubberstamps the depth and quality of our players. He has a wealth of experience having played against sides that we are now going head-to-head with in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship and Heineken Champions Cup, and that is an added bonus that the rest of the team can tap into“We welcome Henry to Loftus and we are confident that he will add value to the Bulls product and brand of rugby that we pride ourselves on as a club. We are happy to have him join our family and know that he will enjoy a fruitful time with us.”
Immelmann said he enjoyed his time at Edinburgh but it was now time for a change.
“I’ve enjoyed every minute of my time at Edinburgh. It’s a brilliant club with an exceptional group of boys. Since day one they welcomed me with open arms, and I’ve really started to enjoy my rugby a lot more,”
“Away trips with the Edinburgh boys are probably the one thing that I’ll miss the most. I want to thank the Edinburgh fans for all the support too. I’ve been proud to represent them and this great city during the last two seasons.”
When asked about his move to Pretoria, Immelman said: “for me personally, joining the Bulls is a great opportunity. They are another world class club and I’ll be closer to my family as well.”