Springbok Aphiwe Dyantyi one of two to join South African rivals

Fresh from their United Rugby Championship final defeat, the Bulls have announced the signing of winger Aphiwe Dyantyi and flanker Kuyenzeka Xaba from the Stormers.

The 13-cap Springbok, and former World Rugby breakthrough player of the year, made his professional return at the end of 2023 after serving a four-year doping ban.

The 29-year-old has signed a two-year deal with the Bulls, which will keep him at Loftus Versfeld until June 2026.

“This feels like a second opportunity,” said Dyantyi.

“It will be good to be in an environment like the one the Vodacom Bulls have, almost very familiar considering that I was down the highway during the start of my career.

“I spent over 10 years in Gauteng, so it is familiar territory and this move feels like me coming home. I am closer to family and friends, a support structure that has been so important for me over the years.

“I hope to enjoy my time with the Loftus family and am thankful for the opportunity Jake (White) and Edgar (Rathbone) have given me."

Stormers flanker Xaba has also signed a two-year deal with the URC runners-up, and has set his sights on winning more silverware for the Bulls.

“This is a privilege for me to come join the most successful union in South Africa,” the 26-year-old said.

“I am looking forward to a different challenge away from my comfort zone. There is a lot of quality players at the Vodacom Bulls and I want to play alongside them. I also have a wonderful opportunity to be taught by seasoned coaches, I am looking forward to learning from them.

“I cannot wait to slot into the brand of rugby this club plays and I have hopes of doing my bit to help add more silverware to the Loftus trophy cabinet.”