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Three Bulls off to Europe on short-term contracts

rugby05 September 2019 06:28| © SuperSport
By:Brenden Nel
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Ruan Steenkamp © Gallo Images

Three Vodacom Bulls players have been confirmed as "medical jokers" and will play for overseas clubs during the Rugby World Cup before returning to undergo their pre-season ahead of the 2020 version of Vodacom Super Rugby.

Bulls flanker Ruan Steenkamp has been the latest player to sign a short-term contract with Edinburgh, and will provide cover for them while players are at the World Cup. Steenkamp takes the place of Kwagga Smith, who had signed but withdrew because he is in the Springbok World Cup squad.

"Edinburgh Rugby have today secured the signing of South African back-row Ruan Steenkamp on a short-term deal from Super Rugby side Vodacom Bulls.

“The former South Africa U20 captain, 26 – who made 10 appearances in this season’s Super Rugby competition – joins the club subject to a medical and will provide cover during the Rugby World Cup in Japan,” a team statement said.

“Steenkamp – who has played both flanker and No 8 for the Super Rugby side – was a key player as the Bulls this season reached the knockout stages of the competition for the first time since 2013.

“On joining the club, Steenkamp, said: 'I’m really honoured to join Edinburgh Rugby and I can’t wait to link up with my new teammates.

“'I know a lot about the club having spoken to the South African boys in Scotland and I’m hugely privileged to have been given the chance to represent such a historic side.

“'This will be my first time travelling to Scotland, so I can’t wait to make the most of this opportunity while sampling a new and exciting rugby culture.'”

Head Coach Richard Cockerill, added: “Ruan is a hard-running and abrasive back-row player that plays with a real edge. He has all the qualities that you look for in a flanker while his physicality brings a different dynamic to our pack. We’re really happy to have him on board.”

The other two players who are heading abroad are Springbok prop Lizo Gqoboka, who has signed as a "medical joker" for French club Montpellier, while hooker Jaco Visagie is also on a short-term contract with French club Toulouse.

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