Jake White is desperate to bolster his lock stocks at the Vodacom Bulls after reports that Walt Steenkamp and Sintu Manjezi will be heading abroad.
According to Sunday newspaper Rapport, Steenkamp (26) is out of contract in October and is set to be plying his trade in Japan by the end of the year.
Steenkamp, who was previously linked with English outfit Bath, has been in impressive form this season, and Bulls boss White was desperate to retain his services after failing to lure Lood de Jager back to Loftus Versfeld.
Also understood to be parting ways with the Bulls is 27-year-old Manjezi, who is keen to further his career in England. Steenkamp and Manjezi made a name for themselves with the Free State Cheetahs before heading to Pretoria.
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Their imminent departure leaves White with Ruan Nortje, Janko Swanepoel, Reinhardt Ludwig and the injured Jacques du Plessis to call upon for experience in the second row, although Du Plessis is scheduled for heel surgery at the end of the year.
Arno Botha could have filled in at lock in the interim, but the veteran loose forward heads to French side Lyon in July.
His exit will be offset by the arrival of former Lions and Junior Springbok lock Ruan Vermaak, who will join the Bulls on 1 July on a three-year contract with the franchise.
