The Bulls have confirmed the departure of stalwart front-rower and Springbok, Trevor Nyakane.
After joining the Bulls in 2015 from the Cheetahs, the 32-year-old has penned an agreement with French club, Racing 92, and will be joining the club in the coming days.
Nyakane, who was part of the 2019 World Cup-winning Springbok team, has played 54 tests in the green and gold, while having amassed no fewer than 82 caps for the Bulls over the past six years since his arrival in Tshwane.
The front-rower is renowned for his versatility after having proven himself as equally adept at both loosehead and tighthead prop – positions he has played both at franchise level and at international level.
Bulls director of rugby, Jake White, said on Nyakane’s departure: “Trevor has been a colossal figure, both on and off the field, for the Bulls in the years of great service he has spent with us. He has been an influential member of our squad, contributing both as a leader and imparting his vast knowledge on our younger players.
“He has served both the union and South African rugby with great pride and distinction over the years. He now has an opportunity to continue being a great ambassador for the game of rugby in his new, exciting chapter at Racing 92.
“We would like to thank Trevor for his dedication, commitment and lasting memories which he leaves us all at the Vodacom Bulls. We wish him the very best for this next phase of his illustrious career. Au revoir, Trevor!”
Laurent Travers, Racing 92 director of rugby, said: “We are delighted to welcome Trevor Nyakane to our team. He is a mature player with great experience at the highest level. We will gain from these qualities, and he will also be a good example and someone who will be able to impart his knowledge to our young players as they continue to grow.
“His versatility and ability to play both on the left and right side of the scrum will be highly appreciated. We cannot wait to see him join our ranks, and we hope that we will have some great rugby moments together.”
Nyakane was contracted to the Bulls until the end of 2023 and according to a report by Supersport, Racing contacted the Bulls and set in motion the buy-out of his contract.
The buy-out of the contract is reportedly around R5-million ( about 280 000 Euro), which would make it the biggest transfer fee paid to a local franchise for a local player.
