Bath head coach Johann van Graan has acquired another seasoned South African player in preparation for his first season at the English Premiership club.
Able to play across the back five of the scrum, GJ van Velze has more than 100 Premiership appearances to his name after spells with Northampton Saints and Worcester Warriors.
He won the Premiership with Northampton in 2014, and led Worcester to promotion in the first of his seven seasons at Sixways.
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Prior to his time in England, the 34-year-old twice captained the Blue Bulls’ junior side to the Vodacom Cup title as well as skippering the SA Academy, SA U19s and U20s. He also became a key member of the Bulls’ Currie Cup squad before making his Super Rugby debut in 2010.
“GJ has a great amount of Premiership experience which will prove influential for the squad over the season to come,” Van Graan said.
“His leadership ability is a part of his character that I value and his ability to play four positions across the back five is very valuable through a season.”
Former Kings and Western Province openside flank Chris Cloete has already followed Van Graan to Bath from Munster for the 2022-23 campaign.
✍️ We are delighted to announce experienced forward @GJvanVelze has signed for the club!
Pleasure to have you with us at #BathRugby, GJ ?
— Bath Rugby (@BathRugby) July 20, 2022
Photo: @BathRugby/Twitter
