Bulls snap up another Springbok

Another Springbok will be making a return to Loftus Versfeld in the second of an exciting double signing by the Bulls from 1 July.

On Tuesday, the Bulls confirmed Lionel Mapoe is heading to Pretoria to add further experience to the side he turned out for in 2013, joining former Lions and Springbok teammate Ruan Combrinck in signing for the Pretoria-based franchise.

Mapoe’s professional career began at the Free State Cheetahs before moving to their rivals across the Jukskei, where he represented the Lions and amassed over 100 Super Rugby caps for the Johannesburg side.

Following a stint in Japan where he featured for the Kubota Spears, the hard-running centre has been plying his trade in France, representing Stade Francais since 2019 and, most recently, Nice in the third tier of French rugby.

“We are pleased to have a player of Lionel’s calibre joining this exciting Bulls team. His record on the rugby field speaks for itself, and we have no doubt that his wealth of experience and expertise will be beneficial to the success of this team,” said Bulls director of rugby Jake White.

Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

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