The Vodacom Bulls have confirmed the signing of Cobus Wiese from 1 July, with the utility forward set to link up with the Pretoria outfit at the end of the season from Sale Sharks.
Wiese has put pen to paper on a two-year-deal, with Bulls director of rugby Jake White saying the 26-year-old’s arrival at Loftus will add more energy and experience to the locker room.
“We take pride in attracting quality players into our fold and we are extremely happy to bring a player of Cobus’sability to the Bulls,” he said.
“He is a talented lock who can play at flank too, so he is versatile and that adds to our arsenal. I do not doubt that he also brings experience with him, having spent these past few years in England and that will be an added bonus for our team as we continue to compete in the north.
“It is great to have more quality South African rugby players returning to the country to play their rugby here, this will benefit our overall product in the competitions we play. It also adds more depth to available options and improves the quality of the game that fans get to see.
“We cannot wait to welcome Cobus home.”
Welcome to the Vodacom Bulls Cobus Wiese 🐂#BackTheBulls @vodacom pic.twitter.com/HrbbS5J0nq
— Official Blue Bulls (@BlueBullsRugby) March 19, 2024
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Wiese has played almost 80 games for the English club and scored five tries since joining from the DHL Stormers in 2020.
He played a key role last term as Sale reached the Premiership final, and this season has featured a further 13 times for Alex Sanderson’s charges.
“Cobus will be missed by all of us on so many levels. He’s the most polite and courteous of people off the field, but the most wildly excitable man on the field, and on a night out,” Sanderson said.
“To say Cobus wears his heart on his sleeve is to do him a disservice with regards to his emotional commitment for which his body has paid the price on occasion.
“He leads by example and has earnt the respect and adoration of the group both on a professional and a personal level. We wish him every success and happiness with his move back home.”
Photo: Patrick Khachfe/Getty Images