The Vodacom Bulls have confirmed several signings for next season - with the most high profile being the return to South Africa of former Sharks and Springbok flyhalf Curwin Bosch.
While the Bulls prepare to lose the likes of Wilco Louw (Springboks), Kurt-Lee Arendse (Japan), David Kriel (La Rochelle), Ruan Nortje (Japan), Esethu Mnebelele (Sharks), Jan Serfontein and Johan Goosen (both retired), they have made some significant backline signings for the coming season.
Bosch is the headline signing, and is currently with Brive, where he has been starring for the local side and will bring cover following the loss of Goosen to retirement.
The Bulls have also added a number of backline stars - none less than Munster’s Thaakir Abrahams, who heads to Loftus to replace Arendse, and Luan Gilomee, the 19-year old star who has played URC rugby for the Sharks and represented the Springbok Sevens this year as well.
The backline is further strengthened with the arrival of Junior Bok and Shark fullback Hakeem Kunene, Griquas flyer Dylan Maart and Pumas outside centre Sango Xamlashe, the latter two who will arrive after the conclusion of the Currie Cup.
Up front they have signed 132kg tighthead prop Mawande Mdanda from the Sharks as a replacement for Louw, and Former Junior Bok and Harlequins captain Hanro Liebenberg will also return to add some experience to the Bulls pack.
Bulls CEO Edgar Rathbone says the side has been deliberate in their recruitment for next season.
“We have been very deliberate in our recruitment process, identifying specific areas where we felt we needed to bolster our depth and experience,” he said.
“Bringing in players of this calibre, ranging from proven match-winners to the most exciting young talent in the country, is a clear statement of our intent. We are building a squad capable of sustained success in both the Vodacom URC and Europe, and we are thrilled to welcome these men to the Loftus family.”
Additionally, junior to senior extensions were granted to Jean Erasmus (tighthead – three years), Heinrich Theron (lock – three years), JJ Theron (loose forward – two years), Pieter vd Merwe (centre – three years), Demetri Erasmus (centre – three years).