Injury-hit Gloucester rope in Sharks prop

NEWS: Gloucester confirmed the arrival of South African Sharks prop Dian Bleuler to help provide cover for a raft of injuries.

The 26-year-old loose head played for Western Province and Stormers before moving to Durban in 2022.

Bleuler represented the Sharks 22 times over the past three seasons, as well as featuring seven times for Munster during a loan spell last term.

Bleuler came through the Western Province system and represented their Currie Cup side before making his Stormers debut against the British & Irish Lions during their 2021 tour of South Africa.

He spent some of the 2024/25 season on loan at Irish province Munster, where he featured in seven matches, including four Champions Cup games.

After returning to the Sharks in 2025, Bleuler featured off the bench against Glasgow Warriors in the United Rugby Championship just three weeks ago.

Director of Rugby, George Skivington, commented: “It’s no secret we’ve lost a few players to injury, and while we are expecting to get some lads back in the coming weeks, it’s great to have Dian come in to fill the space now and provide competition in the long term.

“The set-piece is his bread and butter, but he’s also mobile and dynamic around the park, which fits well with the way we’re trying to play.

“We’re all looking forward to welcoming him into the squad and getting him involved in the coming weeks.”

“I’ve always wanted to play in the PREM, and I’m incredibly grateful to Gloucester for the opportunity,” Bleuler said.

“I’ve been lucky enough to play in some amazing stadiums in my career so far, but I’ve heard there’s nothing quite like The Shed!

“Putting on the Cherry & White jersey and following in the footsteps of some great South Africans will be a really proud moment for me.”