Eye-catching transfers ahead of new season
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: As well as the arrival of some star names from outside the United Rugby Championship ahead of the new season, there has been plenty of movement between the South African teams.
Here are some of the eye-catching transfers.
Vincent Tshituka (Lions to Sharks)
Tshituka announced himself as one of the most exciting young talents in the URC last season, scooping a hatful of Player of the Match awards as he excelled for the Lions.
The powerhouse loose forward, 23, heads to Durban on a three-year contract and joins a Sharks back-row division that already includes Siya Kolisi, Henco Venter, Phepsi Buthelezi, Dylan Richardson, James Venter and Sikhumbuzo Notshe.
Tshituka – born in the Democratic Republic of Congo but tipped as a future Springbok – will be followed by a familiar face in making the switch from Johannesburg, with Lions prop Carlu Sadie also heading in the same direction.
Sibusiso Nkosi (Sharks to Bulls)
The Bulls’ bid to go one better than their runner-up finish last season will be boosted by the arrival of Springboks wing Nkosi from the Sharks.
Jake White will hope Nkosi can help minimise the impact of the departure of Madosh Tambwe, who departed for Bordeaux-Begles over the summer having impressed last term.
Nkosi was a member of the South Africa squad who triumphed at the 2019 Rugby World Cup and has won 16 caps to date, scoring nine tries.
Wandisile Simelane (Lions to Bulls)
Bulls director of rugby Jake White commented there had been “widespread interest from across the globe” in the services of Simelane before he agreed a switch from the Lions to Pretoria.
The 24-year-old can play at centre, fullback or on the wing and has signed a two-year deal at Loftus Versfeld.
Simelane is yet to make his Springboks debut but was part of the squad for last year’s British and Irish Lions tour and will have an opportunity to enhance his Test hopes with the Bulls further.
Source: URCOfficial
