'It's just a no-brainer': Jake explains Bulls' fullback signing
SPOTLIGHT: Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White says he didn’t have to think long and hard about keeping Devon Williams in Pretoria.
The Bulls boss confirmed that the 31-year-old fullback is now with the team on a permanent basis.
He joined the Pretoria franchise from the Pumas on loan back in August last year and he has impressed with his performances this season.
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Just two World Cup winners fielding kicks at training 😏 pic.twitter.com/0xSY7qTh85
— Official Blue Bulls (@BlueBullsRugby) February 12, 2024
“There’s lots of talent in South Africa. He is 31 years old, he has got a degree, he was at Paarl Boys High, so he has got a great rugby pedigree,” said White.
“He has won a Currie Cup and he can play in multiple positions, so for me, it’s just a no-brainer.
“He is at that time of his career now where for us it was the best time to get him.
“He has served his time and I know it has been a long time – a bit longer than others as well because he is 31, so he is a great asset to our group.”
White said there is value in having a few older players in the squad.
“To get a guy like him [Williams] back in our group adds massive amounts of value and off the field as well.”
White added: “We need to get our best players playing local rugby.
“I am glad for him because he gets a gap in a province like the Bulls and there is a lot more that should be playing in the senior squads at the big franchises.
“We love the fact that we get the Cameron Hanekoms and the Jan-Hendrik Wessels.
“But let’s be fair. Thirty years ago when we were watching rugby on this [Loftus B] field, it would have been highly unlikely those guys would have been playing club rugby and now all of a sudden, they need to play Champions Cup rugby.
“You need them, but I think we need to find a way in which we get some of the older seasoned campaigners back and Devon has highlighted that. ”
“It’s a big difference compared to a boy straight out of school who now needs to make a name for himself.”
*The Bulls will resume their United Rugby Championship duties with a match against the Lions in Johannesburg on Saturday.
Springboks Canan Moodie and Kurt-Lee Arendse are both available for selection, while Willie le Roux is enjoying his honeymoon after getting married last weekend.
White revealed that prop Wilco Louw should be available for the North-South derby with the Stormers on March 2 in Pretoria.
