The Vodacom Bulls have confirmed the signing of Springbok utility back Gio Aplon, who will join the team from Japan as soon he is able to travel back to South Africa.

Aplon previously plied his trade in South Africa for Western Province and the Stormers from 2005 to 2014, before moving to French Top 14 club Grenoble.

As new Bulls director of rugby Jake White continues to build his squad, Aplon will join them in June or as soon as he can travel to South Africa.

White is well known to have held Aplon in high regard from when the former Bok coach was working at Montpellier in France, while the 37-year-old utility back also played under White’s tutelage in Japan.

‘The Vodacom Bulls have always been a formidable force in the rugby world. I have always had a great deal of respect for the brand and what it has achieved, and I am truly looking forward to running out at Loftus,’ Aplon commented. ‘Coach Jake has an amazing vision and plan for the team, and I am just honoured that he wants me as part of it.’

Aplon has 17 Test caps to his name, and despite a recall to the Springbok squad in 2018, he last played an international match back in 2012.

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