The Vodacom Bulls have continued their transfer spree after announcing the signing of Western Province hooker Schalk Erasmus on a three-year contract.
Erasmus – who was schooled at Afrikaans Hoër Seunskool (Affies) and represented the Blue Bulls at various age-group Craven Weeks – will return to Pretoria as of June 2020 or as soon as travel restrictions allow.
The 22-year-old studied at Stellenbosch University and played for Maties in their Varsity Cup-winning sides in 2018 and 2019.
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His star continued to rise in 2018 as he made the trip to the World Rugby U20 Championship in France where he helped the Junior Springboks claim a bronze medal.
Erasmus made his senior debut for Province in the 2019 Currie Cup when he came off the bench against Griquas and also played for Province in the Provincial Rugby Challenge.
‘I enjoyed my time in the Cape,’ Erasmus said. ‘Memories made and a few rugby goals of mine ticked off, but I’m excited for something different and I believe Loftus is the place for the experience.
‘I’m looking forward to getting stuck in with my new Bulls family as soon as possible.’
#BullsFamily welcomes young Hooker Schalk Erasmus back to Pretoria pic.twitter.com/rWIP6Grh15
— Official Blue Bulls (@BlueBullsRugby) May 26, 2020
Erasmus is the Bulls’ fifth official signing to date since director of rugby Jake White took charge. The Bulls have also signed veteran back Gio Aplon, lock Walt Steenkamp while also bringing Springboks Marcel van der Merwe and Arno Botha back to Loftus Versfeld. Another Springbok – wing Travis Ismaiel – has reportedly agreed to return to the Bulls.
Photo: @BlueBullsRugby/Twitter