The Vodacom Bulls are in negotiations to sign Springbok fullback Willie le Roux in what would be a significant boost to Jake White’s backline.
Having brought the curtain down on his five-year stint in Japan with Toyota Verblitz, Le Roux has returned to South Africa and is eager to sign for a local team.
SARugbymag.co.za understands that Le Roux, who has 83 Test caps, wants to retire as a Springbok centurion, which would require him to continue playing Test rugby beyond the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Le Roux knows that playing at home will increase his chances of being selected in 2024.
Sources have confirmed that the 33-year-old was unable to draw a suitable offer from the Stormers or Sharks, and now appears to be set for a move to the Bulls.
Le Roux’s arrival would arm White with an all-Springbok combination, as the fullback would slot into a back three that also features Kurt-Lee Arendse and Canan Moodie.
The Bulls director of rugby could get an early view of the combination’s potential as the Springboks are reportedly set to field all three in the Rugby Championship opener against Australia at Loftus Versfeld on 8 July.
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