Bulls nab star centre from local rivals

The Bulls have nabbed star centre Wandisile Simelane from Juskei rivals, the Lions, ahead of next season. 

The highly-rated centre was involved with the Springbok squad last year and now makes the move to the Bulls signing a two-year deal until 2024.

A former SA under-18 and Junior Springbok, Simelane is equally deft at centre, fullback and on the wing, will add depth and flavour to the Bulls squad which director of rugby, Jake White, continues to bolster.

Simelane played all of his youth rugby between 2011 and 2019 for the Golden Lions Rugby Union before carving a thrilling senior career for the Lions in the United Rugby Championship, Super Rugby, Guinness PRO14 Rainbow Cup and Carling Currie Cup between 2018 and this year.

The gifted former Jeppe High School and twice SA under-20 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 Vodacom Bulls,” said Vodacom 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.