CONFIRMED: Lions lose star centre to Bulls

TRANSFER NEWS: Utility backline player, Wandisile Simelane, is officially a Bull, the Tshwane-based side confirmed.

The 24-year-old former SA under-18 and Junior Springbok has penned down a two-year deal that will see him remain at Loftus Versfeld until 2024.

The versatile Simelane, who is equally deft at centre, fullback and on the wing, will add depth and flavour to the Bulls squad which director of rugby, Jake White, continues to bolster.

Simelane played all of his youth rugby between 2011 and 2019 for the Golden Lions Rugby Union before carving a thrilling senior career for the Emirates Lions in the United Rugby Championship, Super Rugby, PRO14 Rainbow Cup and Currie Cup between 2018 and this year.

The gifted former Jeppe High School and twice SA under-20 star is widely regarded as one of the most exciting talents in South African rugby.

“It has been widely reported that there has been widespread interest for the services of Wandile Simelane from across the globe," Bulls Director of rugby Jake White said.

"That speaks to the talent and value that he has as a player. We are very happy to have added him to our squad at the Bulls.

“Wandi’s talent and what he brings to any team needs no explanation – his efforts on the field speak for themselves.

"We are certain that he will add a different dynamic to our backline and will fit in perfectly to how we want to play. We look forward to seeing what he will do in the blue jersey in the upcoming season and next few years at Loftus.

"It is also an added bonus that his versatility can see him slot in at fullback, wing and centre.”

Simelane’s signing comes on the back of the confirmation of the arrival of loose-forwards Mihlali Mosi and Phumzile Maqondwana, as well as earlier recruitments Sbu Nkosi, Ruan Vermaak and Dylan Smith.