The Vodacom Bulls on Friday officially announced the signing of former Junior Springbok centre Wandisile Simelane as Jake White continued to bolster the squad for next season.
Simelane has penned a two-year deal that will see him continue his career out of Loftus Versfeld until 2024.
The versatile 24-year-old, who is equally deft at centre, fullback and on the wing, will add depth and flavour to the Bulls squad.
Simelane played all of his youth rugby between 2011 and 2019 for the Lions before carving a thrilling senior career for the Joburgers in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship, Super Rugby, PRO14 Rainbow Cup and Currie Cup.
MORE: White corrals two more into bullpen
The gifted former Jeppe High School and twice SA U20 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. 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,” said Bulls director of rugby Jake White.
“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.
? Wandisile Simelane is a Vodacom Bull ? One of the countries brightest young stars, Simelane has established himself as an electric, fleet-footed game breaker ?
Welcome to Loftus, Wandi ?#TrueToTheBlue pic.twitter.com/Sh3XvdrFK6
— Official Blue Bulls (@BlueBullsRugby) July 8, 2022
MORE: Stormers invest in ‘quality’ halfbacks
Photo: Remy Gabalda/AFP