Former Lions Super 14 hooker Willie Wepener will return from Clermont in France to join forces with the Bulls, while Chilliboy Ralepelle has also pledged his future to the union until October 2013.
The news comes as a boost to the Pretoria team, who are facing somewhat of a senior player exodus at the conclusion of this year’s World Cup. Ralepelle, a Bull through-and-through since his school days at Pretoria Boys High, has been sharing the hooking duties with Gary Botha this year, but it is believed that the latter will head overseas once more later this year.
Wepener’s signing will add much-needed depth in a position where the Bulls’ oft-touted structures and youth policy have failed to deliver the needed goods – at least at this stage. Younger hookers like Henry Bantjes and Zane Botha have been around the fringes for some years, but are seemingly not considered ready to step up, with even Derick Kuun preferred as a back-up earlier in the season.
Kuun has announced that he will quite rugby at the end of the season to become a full-time farmer.
Best news I’ve heard all week! Kuun to quit Rugby!
Wepener was the hooker in the Newcastle high 1st team the same year my brother played prop next to him.
Wepener will fit in perfectly with Bulls….An abrasive, physical player…..with Chilliboy Bulls well stocked at 2 now.
Failed attempt by Botha to make the RWC squad sees him on his way again.
Not the worst signing ever. Good back up.
@KSA Shark © (Comment 4) : Shame, he got shafted at the last WC
@KSA Shark © (Comment 4) : Bye Bye close the door behind you please!
welcome back to SA and enjoy your stay with the Bulls