Bulls bring back Eskom to power pack

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Marco van Staden has agreed to a reunion with the Vodacom Bulls, the Springbok fetcher signing up for a return to Loftus Versfeld for the upcoming season.

The Bulls confirmed on Tuesday that Van Staden would be returning to Pretoria, where he began his rugby career.

Van Staden was in July released from his contract with reigning Premiership champions Leicester Tigers after struggling to recover from a concussion suffered last December.

The loose forward has not played a minute of rugby since and only made eight appearances last season, but the Bulls have offered him the opportunity to complete his rehabilitation and breathe new life into his rugby career.

Bulls director of rugby Jake White said: “We are ecstatic to welcome Marco back to Loftus Versfeld. We were gutted to see him go a year ago, but we are pleased to have been able to lure him back ahead of the upcoming season.

“Marco is a phenomenal player who has proven himself over the years. We know what he can bring to the team on and off the field. We are looking forward to him contributing to our cause in a busy 2022-23 season where his experience and talent will prove invaluable.”

Van Staden began his career with the Bulls in 2017 and spent four-and-a-half years in Pretoria before taking up the opportunity to move to Leicester in England.

Nicknamed ‘Eskom’, the 27-year-old has gathered a reputation for big tackles, as well as an excellent turnover rate at the breakdown.

Van Staden is the Bulls’ seventh signing, joining the likes of Sbu Nkosi and Wandisile Simelane as high-profile recruits ahead of what is expected to be a trying season with the union juggling commitments on two fronts, in the United Rugby Championship and Champions Cup, while also campaigning in the Currie Cup.

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Dylan Jack