The Blue Bulls Company (Pty) Ltd on Tuesday confirmed the release of Werner Kruger, who will join the Scarlets in Wales at the completion of the Super Rugby competition in July. The prop signed a three year deal with the Welsh team.

“Werner is a true stalwart for the Bulls and Vodacom Blue Bulls over many seasons,” said Xander Janse van Rensburg, High Performance Manager of the BBC.

“He has played over 100 Currie Cup matches and over 100 Super Rugby matches so far for us, the only player ever to do that. We can only thank him for many years of loyal service. We know he will still give his best till his last second on the field for us, but also want to wish him the best in the next stage of his career.”

Kruger said he is looking for a different challenge in his career.

“I achieved so much with this special team and hopefully can win another Super Rugby title with them this year.  I played all my rugby here since leaving school, became a Springbok, won Super Rugby titles and a Currie Cup and made friends for life, but the option with Scarlets is the right one for me at this stage of my career. I always wanted to play abroad and this offer comes at the right time. I know I still have something to offer the Bulls this season and then help Scarlets in their drive to improve as a team,” he said.

The 31-yaer old Kruger made his Super Rugby debut for the Bulls in 2008 against the Stormers and has played 113 matches, scoring eight tries (40 points) up to date. He played in 107 Currie Cup matches for the Blue Bulls. He also represented the South Africa Under-21 team in 2005, the Emerging Boks in 2009 and played in four tests and one tour match for the Springboks. His international debut was on 23 July 2011 vs Australia in Sydney aged 26.