Harlequins set to lose Wilco Louw to Jake White's Bulls

The Bulls are strengthening their front five with the acquisition of tighthead Wilco Louw, who is set to leave Harlequins next July.

The Springbok spent a large portion of his youth career playing for the Blue Bulls U19s before returning to Cape Town, his place of birth, to join the Stormers.

He featured 53 times for the men in blue and white but departed his home city in 2020, joining Toulon on a short-term contract before moving to England to sign with Harlequins.

Of the 44 appearances he made for the London club, Louw’s most memorable game is no doubt the 2021 Premiership final. He started the for Harlequins and scored a try as his side went on to win 40-38 in a thriller against Exeter Chiefs, claiming their first title since 2012.

“I enjoyed my time at Harlequins. It was a completely different challenge, which suited me at that stage of my life,” Louw said in an interview with South African newspaper Rapport.

“Now there is another good opportunity for me at the Bulls. I am excited to join them. I think the Bulls are in a good space. There are incredibly good coaches. I look forward to working with them.”

After reaching the URC final in their maiden season, the Bulls are hoping to do one better this time around. They started the new campaign assuredly, winning three straight, but since then have lost to the Glasgow Warriors and Munster.

When Louw arrives in Pretoria next summer, he will bring with him test rugby experience, having featured 14 times for the Springboks. He made his first appearance off the bench in a tight loss in 2017 to New Zealand, while his latest showing came against Argentina in 2021.

That international experience he brings will help elevate the Bulls scrum. Louw has reportedly signed a three-year contract with the Pretorians.