Bulls agree extension with head coach and sign new tighthead

Bulls coach Pote Human has signed a one-year extension to his season-long contract with the South African Super Rugby franchise, the club have announced.

Human, 59, is in his first season in charge after replacing former All Blacks coach John Mitchell, who left after the last campaign to become one of Eddie Jones's assistants with England.

"It's a massive honour to be entrusted with this role, especially knowing that I have the backing of the people around me," said Human, who has won four of his first six games but saw his side thrashed 56-20 at home by Waikato Chiefs last month.

They bounced back with a narrow 19-16 away win over the Sharks in Durban on Saturday.

"It's been a good start thus far and I firmly believe that we are heading in the right direction as a team.

"However, there is a long season ahead with lots of work to be done, and I am excited to get on with things," Human said in a statement.

The Bulls have also signed prop Wiehahn Herbst, who returns to Super Rugby after spending five years at Ulster.

The 30-year-old played for the Sharks between 2009 and 2014 before moving to Irish rugby.

He could be in contention for a debut on Saturday against the Jaguares at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.

AAP

In other news: All Blacks scrum half Aaron Smith pens new deal