Vodacom Bulls loose forward Ruan Steenkamp has joined Pro14 giants Edinburgh on a short-term loan deal during the World Cup.
It was confirmed on Wednesday that the 26-year-old has signed a short-term contract to play for the Scottish club as a medical joker for the duration of the World Cup.
Given that the Bulls have failed to progress to the Currie Cup playoffs, Steenkamp has decided to join Edinburgh in a deal similar to the moves of Wilco Louw to Toulon, Damian Willemse to Saracens and Lizo Gqoboka to Montpellier.
Steenkamp will play alongside fellow South Africans Pierre Schoeman, Michael Willemse, Nic Groom, Jaco van der Walt, Jason Baggott and Duhan van der Merwe.
‘I know a lot about the club having spoken to the South African boys in Scotland and I’m hugely privileged to have been given the chance to represent such a historic side,’ Steenkamp said.
‘This will be my first time travelling to Scotland, so I can’t wait to make the most of this opportunity while sampling a new and exciting rugby culture.’
Welcome to the club, Ruan!
We have today completed the short-term signing of @BlueBullsRugby back-row Ruan Steenkamp, subject to a medical. #WelcomeRuan pic.twitter.com/Teu3YKtWFM
— Edinburgh Rugby (@EdinburghRugby) September 4, 2019
Photo: Johan Rynners/Gallo Images