Bulls star heading to Ospreys
The Blue Bulls Company (Pty) Ltd announced on Friday that promising midfielder Stefan Watermeyer has been released from his contract with the Pretoria-based side.
According to a statement by the Bulls, Watermeyer – who has represented the province at schoolboy, junior and senior level – was contracted until October 31, 2013.
However, the statement added: “He has been released to take up an offer with the Welsh club the Ospreys.”
Watermeyer’s departure comes in the wake of a host of backline signings by the Bulls – including a trio of Western Province players.
Lionel Cronjé, Johann Sadie and JJ Engelbrecht all recently announced that they would be departing Cape Town at the end of the season and head north.
They will join up with the Bulls on November 1, in time to start preparing for the 2012 Super Rugby competition.
Sadie (21), who played for the Stormers in the 2011 Super Rugby series, indicated that he decided to move because of more opportunities at the Bulls.
Engelbrecht, who was also a member of the Stormers group, was named the WP Players’ Player of the Year this week.
Cronjé, who has had his injury troubles this year – but still played Super Rugby and Currie Cup rugby, also played Currie Cup rugby for the Free State Cheetahs as a junior player.
Blue Bulls coach Pine Pienaar also spoke about the young talent they have developed during this year’s Currie Cup competition.
“There were a number of young players who got an opportunity to play Currie Cup and did well,” said Pienaar.
“Especially players like Arno [Botha] and CJ [Stander] played really good rugby and I think that really excites us about the future.”
