Bulls secure Springbok lock duo ahead of new season

Both players joined the Pretoria-based franchise at the start of July, adding valuable experience and depth to the squad.

Orie, 32, joins the Bulls on a short-term deal from French Top 14 side Perpignan, where he has played since the conclusion of the 2023 Rugby World Cup. He brings with him 29 appearances over the past two seasons in France, adding to an already impressive professional resume.

This will be Orie's second stint with the Bulls, having made 10 appearances for the team between 2014 and 2016. Since then, he's represented the Lions (44 caps), Welsh club Ospreys (7), and the Stormers (42). Orie has 16 Test caps for South Africa, with his most recent outing coming in the Boks' World Cup pool match against Tonga in October 2023.

He will be available for the Currie Cup campaign as part of a season-long agreement.

Janse van Rensburg returns to Loftus Versfeld on a long-term deal that runs until June 2027. The 30-year-old spent the last eight seasons with Montpellier, racking up 174 appearances in both the Top 14 and European competitions.

A product of the Bulls' junior system, Janse van Rensburg left South Africa in 2016 but now returns with significant experience at the highest level, having competed in the Champions Cup, Challenge Cup, and Top 14.

The duo's arrival follows the recent signings of fellow Springboks Handre Pollard and Jan Serfontein, as the Bulls look to assemble a squad capable of challenging on multiple fronts. Reports also suggest that Jeandre Rudolph and Dylan de Leeuw are set to join the franchise in the near future.

With a mix of returning stars and fresh talent, the Bulls are shaping up to be serious contenders in both the United Rugby Championship and domestic competitions.

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