Devon Williams thanks Pumas as move to Bulls is confirmed
NEWS: Devon Williams says he will see out his career in Pretoria after it was confirmed on Monday that he penned a permanent deal with the union.
The Bulls said the 31-year-old utility back signed a three-year contract with the Bulls until 2027.
Williams was initially on loan from the Pumas in a deal that would have run until the beginning of the Currie Cup campaign this year but he will now remain in the capital.
Since joining the Tshwane-based outfit, he has gone on to impress in both the United Rugby Championship and the Champions Cup respectively, proving to be a vital cog in the backline whether at fullback or wing.
Williams said the move to Pretoria would give him and his family the security to know they will be in one place for the next three years.
“Three years gives me and my family some security to know that we are in one place for a while. And it is obviously a no-brainer to sign with a big union to compete against the best and to play against the best and measure yourself against the best.
“And to play more rugby throughout the year. I’ve enjoyed my time with the Bulls. I think I have slotted in quite easily. I think I have known most the guys, mostly from playing against them for years now.
“And now I am making more connections with the guys on a deeper level.
“It feels like I have been part of the family for a while now. So I think it just speaks volumes for the culture that’s being built at the Bulls.
“The highlight for me was first of all making my debut, that is really special. And then my Man of the Match performances defitinetely one of the biggest highlights of being at the Bulls,” Williams said, referring to the match against the Bristol Bears.
“In the next three years, what I hope to achieve, is to make an impact on people’s lives, whether it be on the field or off the field.
“And then obviously to give my all on and off the field. To leave the jersey in a better place than I found it or even on the same level competing with the likes of Willie [le Roux] currently now. Just to leave the jersey in a good space. I wish to finish off here at the Bulls,” he concluded.
Williams also had a special message for the Pumas, a team he represented since 2016 in over 100 games.
“To the Pumas, I owe it all to them. When no-one wanted me, they gave me the opportunity. They moulded me. They have so much love from the fans. They will always have a special place in my heart.
“I think Nelspruit has become like home for me and my family. So it is a sad goodbye, but an exciting one with us moving to the Bulls now.
“To the coaching staff, all the fans and the players there, you will always have a special place in my heart. Thank you for all the memories. We will miss you. But I think it is time for a new chapter,” Williams said.
Jake White, the Bulls’ Director of Rugby, said: “There is a lot of talent in South Africa. He is 31, has a young child, a degree and comes from a good school so he has the pedigree.
“He has won the Currie Cup and with that experience he (really) is a great asset to our group, adding great value, off the field as well,”
“He can play in multiple positions, has served his time and he is at the time of his career where it is the best time for us to get him, for me, it is a no-brainer.
“We love that we have the youngsters coming through our team but it is good to also have a mature guy like Devon added to the mix,” the coach said.
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