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Jake White's Bulls sign Lions centre Simelane
By Kim Ekin
The Bulls have confirmed that they have signed utility back Wandisile Simelane from the Lions.
The former SA under-18 and Junior Springbok has signed a two-year contract that will keep him at Loftus Versfeld till 2024.
The 24-year-old is a versatile player who is equally skilled at centre, fullback, and the wing and will give the Vodacom Bulls team more depth outside.
Prior to carving out an exciting senior career for the Emirates Lions in the United Rugby Championship, Vodacom Super Rugby, Guinness PRO14 Rainbow Cup, and Carling Currie Cup between 2018 and this year, Simelane played all of his youth rugby between 2011 and 2019 for the Golden Lions Rugby Union.
The 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 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 arrival comes hot on the heels of the signing of loose-forwards Mihlali Mosi and Phumzile Maqondwana, as well as earlier recruitments Sbu Nkosi, Ruan Vermaak and Dylan Smith.
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Latest Comments
Does anyone know a way to loook at how many mins each player has played whilst on tour?
Go to commentsIt certainly needs to be cherished. Despite Nick (and you) highlighting their usefulness for teams like Australia (and obviously those in France they find form with) I (mention it general in those articles) say that I fear the game is just not setup in Aus and NZ to appreciate nor maximise their strengths. The French game should continue to be the destination of the biggest and most gifted athletes but it might improve elsewhere too.
I just have an idea it needs a whole team focus to make work. I also have an idea what the opposite applies with players in general. I feel like French backs and halves can be very small and quick, were as here everyone is made to fit in a model physique. Louis was some 10 and 20 kg smaller that his opposition and we just do not have that time of player in our game anymore. I'm dying out for a fast wing to appear on the All Blacks radar.
But I, and my thoughts on body size in particular, could be part of the same indoctrination that goes on with player physiques by the establishment in my parts (country).
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