NEWS: Bulls confirm Aphiwe Dyantyi and Nama Xaba signings

“This feels like a second opportunity,” said Dyantyi, who moves from the Sharks.

“It will be good to be in an environment like the one the  Bulls have, almost very familiar considering that I was down the highway during the start of my career.

“I spent over ten years in Gauteng [with the Lions], so it is familiar territory and this move feels like me coming home. I am closer to family and friends, a support structure that has been so important for me over the years.

“I hope to enjoy my time with the Loftus family and am thankful for the opportunity Jake (White) and Edgar (Rathbone) have given me.”

The utility back is no stranger to the international circuit having impressed back in the 2018 season for Jukskei rivals, the Emirates Lions, a season which earned him his Springbok cap where he went on to dot down six tries from thirteen tests on his way to winning the 2018 World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year.

The Dale College alumni has played at flyhalf, outside centre, fullback and now ranks among the top wingers on the park.

Meanwhile, Xaba slots into the openside flanker role and arrives at the capital to begin his journey with the herd until June 2026.

The Glenwood High and University of Cape Town captain arrives in the capital from the DHL Stormers with whom he has spent much of his junior and senior professional career, making 25 senior appearances for the Cape side.

READ: New kid on the block Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu eager to impress

Xaba boasts an impressive CV, having led his high school both on and off the field. Captaining Glenwood in the same year he was the school’s head boy. He finished his matric with five distinctions and has gone on to obtain a BSc in Geomatics at the University he occasionally captained. He earned his first provincial colours for the Kwa-Zulu Natal at under-12 before going on to earn further caps at Under-13 Craven Week, Under-16 Grant Khomo Week, Academy Week as well as at Craven Week.

“This is a privilege for me to come join the most successful union in South Africa,” said Xaba.

“I am looking forward to a different challenge away from my comfort zone. There is a lot of quality players at the Vodacom Bulls and I want to play alongside them. I also have a wonderful opportunity to be taught by seasoned coaches, I am looking forward to learning from them.”

“I cannot wait to slot into the brand of rugby this club plays and I have hopes of doing my bit to help add more silverware to the Loftus trophy cabinet.”