Bulls secure Liebenberg homecoming
TRANSFER NEWS: The Bulls have secured a major homecoming coup, with Hanro Liebenberg set to return to Loftus Versfeld at the end of the current season after seven influential years with Leicester Tigers.
The powerful loose forward will rejoin the Pretoria outfit, the province where his professional career began, bringing with him a wealth of experience gained in the Premiership.
Leicester confirmed Liebenberg’s departure at the end of the campaign, acknowledging both his immense contribution and his desire to return home to South Africa.
Over seven seasons at Welford Road, Liebenberg became a cornerstone of the Tigers pack, making 141 appearances, scoring 31 tries, and playing a key role in their 2022 Premiership title triumph.
Hanro Liebenberg is heading home for the 2026/27 season 🐂
After 7 standout years with Leicester Tigers, 141 caps, 31 tries & a 2022 Premiership title, the powerhouse loose forward is back where it all began at Loftus.
Welcome home, Hanro! 🤝 pic.twitter.com/YCWoBP66A7
— Official Blue Bulls (@BlueBullsRugby) March 3, 2026
His athleticism, durability, and relentless work ethic made him a firm favourite among supporters and teammates alike, and he leaves with the full backing of the English club.
For the Bulls, his return adds proven leadership and big-match pedigree to a squad eager to reassert itself both domestically and in the United Rugby Championship.
Liebenberg’s experience in high-pressure European competitions and his consistency at the breakdown will bolster Johan Ackermann’s forward resources significantly.
Speaking about his decision, Liebenberg admitted it was one of the toughest of his career, but emphasised the pull of home and family. While Leicester will bid farewell to a stalwart, the Bulls welcome back a seasoned campaigner whose best years could still lie ahead on South African soil.
“I’ll be sad to leave Leicester Tigers at the end of the season, but when I look back in a few years, I’ll have the fondest memories. I’ll be back soon and I’ll bring my kids to experience Mattioli Woods Welford Road once again.
“The club and the trophies here are special, but what I will always remember is the people, the fans. They have always had my back, always had my family’s back and always looked out for me.
“What you want to do is leave this place in a better position than when I found it, and I’d like to think that I’ve done that.”
Additional source @LeicesterTigers
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