Morne Steyn is one of eight players leaving three-time Super Rugby champions, the Bulls, to join overseas clubs. Photo: Backpagepix
Eight rugby players will be joining the ever growing group of South African internationals to head to big-paying teams in Europe and Japan.
The Pretoria-based Bulls said the contracts of the eight players, all Springboks, had expired and they would leave before the start of the domestic Currie Cup this weekend.
Their departure was confirmed three days after the Bulls lost to Australian team Brumbies in the Super Rugby semifinals, the first time the Bulls have dropped a post-season game in South Africa.
“These players all became Springboks at the Blue Bulls, which speaks volumes of how much impact they had in our structures and teams,” Bulls chief executive Barend van Graan said.
The Bulls tried to retain a number of the players, but said they couldn’t compete with the salaries overseas, which continue to draw away South Africa’s top Rugby talent.
Morne Steyn, who has played more than 100 Super Rugby games for the Bulls and is the Springboks’ second-highest point scorer in tests, will join Stade Francais in France. – Rugbyweek.com
