Bulls secured the services of two experienced Springbok backs
Following the loss of several promising young backs, the Bulls announced on Wednesday that their ranks will be strengthened by two experienced Springboks, who as outside backs could be worth gold for the Bulls in both the Currie Cup tournament and the international Pro16 tournament.
The Bulls have announced that their ranks will be strengthened with two experienced Springbok backs.
Between Lionel Mapoe (14 Tests) and Ruan Combrinck (7 Tests) they not only have a lot of international experience, but both of them were part of the successful Lions team that dominated SuperRugby in South Africa between 2015 and 2018 for four seasons.
* Springbok centre, Lionel Mapoe, will make a return to Loftus Versfeld in an exciting signing by the Bulls, effective from July 1.
The 32-year-old will add a wealth of experience to the side he turned out for in 2013. He has represented the Springboks in 14 Tests, while also having previously featured for the national Sevens, u.20 and SA ‘A’ sides.
Mapoe’s professional career began at the Free State Cheetahs before moving to rivals across the Jukskei, where he represented the Golden Lions and amassed over 100 Super Rugby caps for the Lions.
Following a stint in Japan where he featured for the Kubota Spears, the hard-running centre has been plying his trade in France, representing Stade Francais since 2019.
“We are pleased to have a player of Lionel’s calibre joining this exciting Bulls team. His record on the rugby field speaks for itself, and we have no doubt that his wealth of experience and expertise will be beneficial to the success of this team,” said Vodacom Bulls Director of Rugby, Jake White.
* Springbok winger, Ruan Combrinck, will also arrive at Loftus Versfeld on July 1.
The 31-year-old speedster comes with a reputation of having a nous for scoring tries for the Springboks in the 7 Test matches he featured in, the Golden Lions and Lions, as well as French club, Stade Francais.
Combrinck’s arrival will not only add depth to the outside backs, but his experience since making his professional debut for Western Province in 2010 will be invaluable for the Pretoria side.
“Any team will be fortunate to acquire a gem like Ruan, who has proven his outstanding abilities over the years. His signing will add to the depth of this team, and we have no doubts that his on-field as well as his off-field capabilities will contribute to the Bulls reaching greater heights,” said Bulls Director of Rugby, Jake White.
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