Bulls secure rising lock, Lions utility back signs for Pumas

TRANSFER TRACKER: The Bulls have secured the future of one of their brightest young forwards, with lock Reinhardt Ludwig signing a contract extension that will keep him at Loftus Versfeld until 2030.

The 24-year-old’s new deal underlines the franchise’s faith in his ability, leadership and long-term potential as he pushes for a regular starting spot.

Ludwig has been a leader throughout his rugby career. He was head boy at Afrikaanse Seuns Hoërskool, where he also captained the school’s first XV, before carrying those leadership qualities into the professional game.

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The 1.99m, 111kg lock made his Bulls debut in 2021 and has remained in Pretoria throughout his career. He also represented the SA U20 team in 2021 and 2022.

Ludwig welcomed the extension, expressing his gratitude to the Bulls coaches and management for their trust in him.

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to the Bulls for the opportunity to extend. It means a lot that the coaches and the management have shown their trust and belief in me,” he said.

“I’m really excited; they’ve built an unbelievable squad and it’s such a privilege to be a part of that. I’m fully committed to giving my absolute best, working hard and doing everything I can to contribute to the success of this team to take the Bulls to another level in the next couple of seasons.”

Highly regarded for his athleticism and talent, Ludwig is increasingly viewed as one of the Bulls’ most promising emerging players as he looks to establish himself as a regular in the starting XV.

*The Pumas have bolstered their backline stocks after securing the services of an exciting utility back from the Lions, writes Avuyile Sawula.

Latica Nela, who represented the Lions in this past season’s Currie Cup, will join the Nelspruit-based side on a two-year deal.

The 24-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough season, helping Wits claim the Varsity Shield title with an unbeaten campaign before making his Currie Cup debut. Nela came through the Lions’ pathways system and represented the union’s U21 side for two years.

Nela will bring versatility to the Pumas, having the ability to play on the wing, at fullback, flyhalf and centre. He also has Sevens experience, having represented the SA Rugby Sevens Academy in 2022.

He joins an exciting crop of backline players at the Pumas, including Jaycee Nel, Darren Adonis, Banie Britz and Tino Swanepoel, all of whom featured in this year’s Currie Cup final against the Griquas.