'A point to prove': Scrumhalf leaves South Africa for Cardiff

TRANSFER NEWS: Welsh region Cardiff have bolstered their halfback stocks with another South African.

The team confirmed that they have signed scrumhalf Johan Mulder.

The 24-year-old arrives from Lions and spent time training with Cardiff in South Africa last season.

But he will now link up with the team formally, signing a long-term contract at Arms Park to compete with fellow new signing Aled Davies and new Wales cap Ellis Bevan.

Mulder also follows in the footsteps of former Pumas flyhalf Tinus de Beer who joined the region last season.

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"Johan is someone we have been tracking for some time and he impressed us when he helped us out in Durban towards the end of last season," said Cardiff head coach Matt Sherratt.

"From initially looking at his footage, I could see straight away that he was a Cardiff-type player.

"He has an attacking mindset and is good in unstructured play, while he is similar to Tinus de Beer defensively.

"Then from spending time with him in South Africa, you could quickly see he was a good professional and person who would add to our environment.

"He was one of the leading players in the Currie Cup, with a reputation for his attacking prowess and he now arrives in Cardiff with a point to prove.

"We now have a really competitive group of scrumhalves, who will drive each other to greater heights while also offering us different playing styles."

Mulder came through the ranks at the Bulls but with opportunities limited moved to the Griquas in the Currie Cup.

He made 25 appearances in two seasons, establishing himself as a potent attacking weapon, and joined the Lions on a short-term deal last year.

Mulder said: "I’m excited and really honoured to join Cardiff. It is a famous club with such a rich history and I hope to wear the jersey with pride and do my bit to add to that legacy.

"There is a lot of strong competition at scrumhalf, which is great for everyone as it will push us all to improve and work hard to earn our spot. I’m really looking forward to that challenge.

"I was fortunate to meet a lot of the boys and coaches when I trained with the squad in South Africa last year, and it is great to finally be here at the Arms Park.

"Now I am just really looking forward to getting stuck into pre-season training and kicking off the 2024-25 campaign."