Vodacom Bulls chief Edgar Rathbone has confirmed an exchange deal that will see outside back Wandisile Simelane trade places with Cornel Smit at the Stormers.
It was reported this week that Simelane – who can play centre, wing and fullback – will link up with the Stormers, while Smit will swap Cape Town for Pretoria, as the Capetonians look to boost their options in midfield.
Veteran centre Ruhan Nel is ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury, and when looking at No 13 replacements, head coach John Dobson said the Stormers “have another plan”.
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Simelane has played just five minutes as a substitute for the Bulls in the opening nine rounds of the Vodacom URC, and speaking to Netwerk24, Rathbone explained the decision to let the 25-year-old leave Loftus Versfeld.
“It is only fair to Wandi to give him a chance with the Stormers,” Rathbone said. “Smit will stay with us until the end of September, which means he will also be available in the Currie Cup competition.”
Rathbone confirmed that Simelane’s contract with the Bulls ends in June and will not be extended.
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