Bulls' recruitment drive kicks off with big names

TRANSFER NEWS: Aphiwe Dyantyi has penned a two-year deal with the Bulls.

The Springbok wing’s new deal will see him at Loftus Versfeld until June 2026.

The move comes after Dyantyi was granted an early exit from his two-year contract with the Sharks.

Dyantyi joined the Sharks after completing his four-year doping ban, but was allowed to leave after a season that has yielded just seven starts and no tries,

“This feels like a second opportunity,” says the 29-year-old Nkondlo native.

“It will be good to be in an environment like the one the Bulls have, almost very familiar considering that I was down the highway during the start of my career.”

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He added: “I spent over 10 years in Gauteng, so it is familiar territory and this move feels like me coming home. I am closer to family and friends, a support structure that has been so important for me over the years.

“I hope to enjoy my time with the Loftus family and am thankful for the opportunity Jake [White] and Edgar [Rathbone] have given me” he concludes.

The utility back is no stranger to the international circuit having impressed back in the 2018 season for Jukskei rivals, the Lions. In that season he also earned a Springbok cap where he went on to dot down six tries from thirteen tests on his way to winning the 2018 World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year.

The Dale College alumni has played at flyhalf, outside centre, fullback and now ranks among the top wings on the park.

The Bulls have also acquired the services of Kuyenzeka ‘Nama’ Xaba on an initial two-year deal.

As he is affectionately known, ‘Nama’ slots into the openside flanker role and arrives at the capital to begin his journey with the herd until June 2026.

The Glenwood High and University of Cape Town captain arrives in the capital from the Stormers with whom he has spent much of his junior and senior professional career, making 25 senior
appearances for the Cape side.

Xaba boasts an impressive CV, having led his high school both on and off the field. Captaining Glenwood in the same year he was the school’s head boy.

He earned his first provincial colours for the Kwa-Zulu Natal at under-12 before going on to earn further caps at Under-13 Craven Week, Under-16 Grant Khomo Week, Academy Week as well as at Craven Week.

“This is a privilege for me to come join the most successful union in South Africa,” Xaba said.

“I am looking forward to a different challenge away from my comfort zone. There is a lot of quality players at the Bulls and I want to play alongside them. I also have a wonderful opportunity to be taught by seasoned coaches, I am looking forward to learning from them.”

Xaba added: “I cannot wait to slot into the brand of rugby this club plays and I have hopes of doing my bit to help add more silverware to the Loftus trophy cabinet.”