Bulls confirm recruitment of two more Springboks for 2021
The Blue Bulls Company announced earlier this week that a former Junior Springbok captain and big favourite of the Loftus Versfeld spectators, as well as a former Springbok fullback, known for his attacking playing style, will both play for the Bulls next season.
The names of two well-known former Springboks can now officially be added to other big names who have already announced that they will be part of the Jake White era at Loftus Versfeld from 2021.
Big strong specialist ball carrier loose forward Arno Botha (29) and quick-footed back, Gio Aplon (37) both signed contracts to play their rugby in 2021 under White’s leadership at Loftus Versfeld.
The Bulls announced that Arno Botha will return to Loftus Versfeld after an emphatic three-year display in Europe. The 29-year-old loose forward is set to join the team as of July 2020, if travel restrictions allow.
Botha, who captained the Junior Springboks in 2011 which saw him being awarded the SA Rugby U20 Player of the Year, made his first-class debut in the colours of the Blue Bulls junior teams before making his Currie Cup debut in 2011.
His performances in South Africa’s premier domestic competition saw him earning a call up to the Bulls where he produced glimpses of his devastating potential.
His rise within South African rugby continued as he made his Springbok debut in 2013 before two serious knee injuries in consecutive seasons curtailed his international career. He also represented South Africa A against the English Saxons in 2016.
A short stint with London Irish in 2017 lined up his move to Munster in 2018 where he represented the Irish province with his explosive, barnstorming runs allowing him to become a regular fixture in the starting team.
“Arno is a proud son of Loftus, and there is no doubt that the fans will be ecstatic to see him back. He started his rugby journey here and played all of his junior rugby in blue. There were big things expected from him from a young age, and he has now grown into a complete and well balanced loosie. It’s no secret that we are in the process of building something very special at Loftus, and Arno is going to be a huge part of that,” said White when Botha’s signing was announced.
– While questions will be asked in some rugby circles about Aplon’s age, White believes he can still add great value to the Bulls in 2021.
Aplon joins the Bulls from Toyota Verblitz in Japan, where he played under White’s tutelage. There is no doubt that his experience and amazing skillset will not only benefit the team but also assist in the further development of the exciting younger outside backs.
The former Springbok fullback/wing proved to be a nemesis of his new team when he played in the colours of the Stormers and Western Province. He epitomised the phrase ‘size doesn’t matter’ with his explosive speed and nimble feet allowing him to score tries from almost anywhere on the field, taking on the biggest and the best the game had to offer.
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