The Vodacom Bulls have confirmed that Springbok flank Marco van Staden will be leaving at the end of June to further his career with the Leicester Tigers in England.
Van Staden, more affectionately known as ‘Eskom’ by his peers (for putting a few lights out over his career), quickly became a crowd favourite with his intense work rate and insane physicality on the field.
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He excelled through the junior ranks at Loftus, working his way up and earning 29 Super Rugby caps and featuring in 18 Currie Cup matches. Van Staden also made three appearances for the Springboks, his Test debut coming against Argentina in 2018.
‘Marco is a phenomenal player, and is probably one of the most complete No 6s in the world currently,’ Bulls director of rugby Jake White said.
‘Situations like these are always met with mixed emotions; I never want to lose a player of his caliber, but I’m also excited and proud of the player he has become. We wish him all the best with his journey ahead and know he will grow from strength to strength and will be a massive asset for Leicester.’
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Springboks back-rower Marco Van Staden has signed with the club from next season.
Welcome to the #TigersFamily, Marco! ?
https://t.co/Kzx8mBSFcN pic.twitter.com/z3NokON8kq
— Leicester Tigers (@LeicesterTigers) March 8, 2021
Van Staden expressed his gratitude for the opportunities he got at the Bulls.
‘My time at Loftus has been amazing, to say the least. The Bulls have always backed me and helped me grow as a person on and off the field,’ he said.
‘I will forever be grateful for the opportunities and lessons from the Bulls family. To each and every person that has impacted my career thus far, the guys that I played with, the coaches and management, and the staff at Loftus, I sincerely thank you. I may be moving on, but I truly hope that our bond will remain.’
The Leicester Tigers already count Jasper Wiese, Cyle Brink, Hanro Liebenberg, Luan de Bruin, Jaco Taute and Kobus van Wyk as the South Africans in their squad.
South African prop Francois Van Wyk has signed with the club from next season.
Welcome to the #TigersFamily, @slak_vanwyk. ?
— Leicester Tigers (@LeicesterTigers) March 8, 2021
South African lock Eli Snyman has signed with the club from next season.
Welcome to the #TigersFamily, @Eli_snyman5. ?
— Leicester Tigers (@LeicesterTigers) March 8, 2021
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