The Vodacom Bulls have confirmed that Edgar Rathbone will succeed Alfons Meyer as CEO.

Rathbone, who joins from the Lions, Rugby Company will officially start in his new role on 1 June.

‘He has been a pillar and servant to the Lions and Ellis Park for the last seven years, starting his rugby journey as head of Finance and Administration in 2013,’ a statement read.

‘In 2014, he was appointed Chief Financial Officer holding the position for two years, before becoming Chief Financial and Commercial Officer in 2016. In 2017, he was appointed as the managing Director of Ellis Park Stadium, responsible for managing the Ellis Park precinct.’

Rathbone said he always had immense respect for the Bulls.

‘I am sincerely looking forward to getting stuck in and doing my best to add to the legacy of the Bulls family. Even though it’s extremely sad saying goodbye to my colleagues at the Lions, I do look forward to making new friends and partnerships at Loftus,’ Rathbone commented on his appointment.

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Pieter Uys, chairman of the Blue Bulls Company board welcomed Rathbone, saying: ‘We are extremely excited to welcome Edgar to the Bulls family. He is a vibrant young man, with an extremely dynamic mindset and way of thinking. Edgar is well respected in the rugby industry and has done some phenomenal work with the Lions. We firmly believe that he will play a major role in taking the Bulls brand forward into a new era.’