Bulls want Lood

Springbok lock Lood de Jager is on top of the Bulls’ list of possible signings ahead of next year's Super Rugby tournament.

The Pretoria-based franchise are looking to beef up their forward pack with muscle and experience, ahead of the 2017 season.

In contrast to seasons past, the Bulls are sporting a very talented backline this year, but are lacking the experience upfront to complement their attacking approach. They have lost stalwarts Victor Matfield, Pierre Spies and Flip van der Merwe recently, and with Bok props Marcel van der Merwe and Werner Kruger heading off to Europe soon, the hunt is on to fill the gaps.

‘There will be some acquisitions,' a trusted source told Rapport. 'We are aggressively looking for players who will make an impact in the pack.'

The Bulls are also looking to add some experience to their loose forwards. Promising flankers Jannes Kirtsen and Roelof Smit have performed well so far this season. But with Deon Stegmann likely to be playing his last Super Rugby tournament this year and Lappies Labuschagne moving to Japan, the Bulls will need the experience to complement the talented youngsters.

Former Cheetahs flanker Heinrich Brüssow has already turned down an offer from the Bulls and is likely to accept one from Wasps in the England Premiership to replace Australian George Smith.

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