VIDEO: Bulls captain crosses the Jukskei
TRANSFER NEWS: The Lions have once again raided their northern neighbours, the Bulls, for resources.
The latest player to cross the Jukskei and head south too Ellis Park is Bulls captain Burger Odendaal.
It is a homecoming of sorts for Odendaal, having been schooled at Monument in Krugersdorp.
He featured in the Lions’ youth structures, before moving to Pretoria in 2012 – where he played for the Bulls senior teams, Currie Cup and Super Rugby, in well over 100 first-class games.
He captained the Bulls in Super Rugby this year, before the COVID-19-enforced lockdown brought an end to the season back in March.
The arrival of Jake White as the Bulls’ Director of Rugby signalled the end of his reign at Loftus Versfeld.
“Burger has poured a lot of himself into the Bulls over many years,” White said.
“For that, we are eternally grateful.
“He is a great guy that has had an impact on many players at Loftus.
“I have no doubt that he will do really well at the Lions.”
He will add significant experience to a Lions backline that was severely depleted in recent years – with the likes of midfielders Lionel Mapoe (to France), Harold Vorster (to Japan), Rohan Janse van Rensburg (to Premiership) and Howard Mnisi (to Kings and then Cheetahs) having departed.
Other key backline departures include Nic Groom (to Scotland), Ruan Combrinck (to France), Tyrone Green (Premiership) and Shaun Reynolds (France).
There have been some signings in recent weeks – including Sibahle Ndiphiwe (Rabz) Maxwane, who moved from the Cheetahs to the Lions.
“It is with a heavy heart that I bid farewell to the Bulls,” Odendaal said.
“It was an honour to call Loftus home for the last nine years and I want to thank each and every one who had an influence or part to play in my journey.
“I will cherish the good memories and hope that I have made lifelong friendships. All the best, stay safe.”
He’s a Lion now 🦁 welcome to the squad, @BurgerOdendaal!#LionsPride pic.twitter.com/Odt86bxljx
— Emirates Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) July 13, 2020
* Meanwhile, reports are suggesting that the Lions are close to signing former Stormers utility back EW Viljoen.
Viljoen, 25, joined Leicester Tigers at the start of the 2019-2020 season.
However, his time has been cut short by the COVID-19 lockdown.
He was linked to a move to the Bulls, but more recent reports have him joining up with the Lions at Ellis Park.
There is no official confirmation of the move.
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He might still be packing up his life in England, but @dreyer_ruan sent us a quick message about re-joining his #LionsFamily ❤ pic.twitter.com/aEIgp83C1h
— Emirates Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) July 9, 2020
