It was announced on Friday that seasoned Springbok flyhalf Johan Goosen would continue to play with the Bulls for an additional four years.
The outstanding pivot, who is 29 years old, has signed a contract extension with the Tshwane-based team that would keep him at Loftus Versfeld through 2026.
The former No. 10 for the Cheetahs, Racing 92, and Montpellier joined the Bulls in 2021 and immediately made an impact on the team, leading to a call-up to the Springboks’ training camp.
“We are very pleased to confirm that Johan Goosen will remain with the Bulls until 2026. He is a very important part of our plans going forward, so to have him commit to the side for the next four years is significant for us,” said Bulls director of rugby, Jake White.
“Not only is Johan critical for the Bulls, but for South African rugby in general. There is plenty that he offers on and off the field where he provides leadership and is a great mentor for the youngsters around him. We have no doubt that he will continue to make a huge impact at the Vodacom Bulls over the coming years.”
The contract renewals for Morne Steyn (2023), Cornal Hendricks (2024), Jan-Hendrik Wessels (2024), Ruan Nortje (2025), Keagan Johannes (2026), Mornay Smith (2026), and Elrigh Louw (2026) precede Goosen’s contract extension (2027).
Earlier this month, it was formally announced that versatile backline player Wandisile Simelane was leaving the Lions and moving to the Bulls.
The former SA under-18 and Junior Springbok, at 24 years old, has signed a two-year contract that will keep him at Loftus Versfeld till 2024.
The versatile Simelane, who is equally skilled at centre, fullback, and on the wing, will give the Bulls squad, which director of rugby Jake White is continuing to enhance, more depth and flavour.
Prior to carving out an exciting senior career with the Lions in the United Rugby Championship, Super Rugby, PRO14 Rainbow Cup, and Currie Cup between 2018 and this year, Simelane played all of his junior rugby for the Golden Lions Rugby Union between 2011 and 2019.
The Bulls recently made significant new signings.
The addition of Simelane follows the announcements of the arrival of loose-forwards Phumzile Maqondwana and Mihlali Mosi, as well as prior hires Sbu Nkosi, Ruan Vermaak, and Dylan Smith.