Why Bok hooker is a good fit for Bulls

TRANSFER NEWS: Blue Bulls Company CEO Edgar Rathbone says Armand van der Merwe's experience will be a great addition to the squad as the Pretoria franchise continues to "evolve".

The Bulls have officially unveiled the Bok hooker as their new signing on Tuesday.

Last week, Sale Sharks confirmed that Van der Merwe had left the club with immediate effect and will return to South Africa due to personal reasons.

He represented the Premiership side on 70 occasions, scoring 31 tries during his four years with them.

The 32-year-old is no stranger to South African rugby having applied his trade for the Leopards, Lions and Sharks in more than 128 matches in various competitions.

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"We are thrilled to have Akker join us and a player of his skill and calibre will be a wonderful addition for our franchise as we continue evolving and set our eyes on success across the various competitions,” said Rathbone.

"He is also a well-travelled player that has continuously done well wherever he has played and that speaks of a resilient character that will be of great help to our younger players too.

"I know he is a player who is keen to give as much as he can, and his know-how will be invaluable for us.

"We welcome him to the capital and hope that he will have a wonderful time running out with the herd in blue."

Van der Merwe is just the latest player to join the Bulls.

Last week it was announced that Celimpilo Gumede, Sebastian de Klerk, Sergeal Petersen, Khutha Mchunu and Jaco van der Walt all signed on the dotted line.