Centre Johnny Kotze has reportedly opted out of his contract with the Vodacom Bulls as a result of the pay cuts set to be implemented amid the conoravirus pandemic.
Following confirmation that the SA rugby industry has agreed in principle to a wide-ranging plan to cut between R700 million to R1 billion from its budget over the next eight months, all players were given a 21-day grace period in which to decide whether they want to stick to their contracts or cancel it.
The 27-year-old Kotze joined the Bulls in 2017 and was the Bulls’ first-choice outside centre before the season was suspended. It is believed he will join a Japanese club.
According to Rapport, Kotze is the first player to opt out of his contract but may not be the last. The Afrikaans newspaper reports that Lizo Gqoboka was ready to walk out too, but that Bulls director of rugby and incoming Vodacom Super Rugby coach Jake White has persuaded him to stay at Loftus.
Rapport also indicated that three Springboks and another Super Rugby player are weighing up their options and are leaning towards taking up offers from overseas clubs.
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