ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

South African URC pacesetters the Bulls and Stormers complete player swap

BY Philip Bendon  ·  Wednesday Jan 3, 2024

In a strategic move to enhance their midfield options, the Vodacom Bulls and the Stormers have sealed an exchange deal involving Wandisile Simelane and Cornel Smit, per a report in Rugby365.

ADVERTISEMENT

The confirmation of this player swap comes from Vodacom Bulls chief Edgar Rathbone. Simelane, a versatile outside back with proficiency in playing centre, wing, and fullback, is set to join the Stormers, while Smit will make the transition from Cape Town to Pretoria.

The motivation behind this exchange lies partly in addressing the Stormers’ midfield challenges, compounded by a season-ending knee injury to veteran centre Ruhan Nel. In response to the setback, head coach John Dobson expressed confidence in an alternative plan for the No. 13 position.

Wandisile Simelane, who has seen limited playing time with just five minutes as a substitute in the BKT URC’s opening nine rounds, will now have an opportunity for more regular appearances with the Stormers. Rathbone justified the decision, stating, “It is only fair to Wandi to give him a chance with the Stormers.” Simultaneously, Cornel Smit will remain with the Bulls until the end of September, ensuring his availability for the Currie Cup competition.

Rathbone clarified that Simelane’s contract with the Bulls concludes in June and will not be extended, marking the end of his stint with the Pretoria-based team. The exchange deal reflects a strategic manoeuvre by both franchises to optimize their player resources for the upcoming rugby competitions.

Related Articles

  • 34 WEEKS AGO

    Bristol Bears break 20-year record with victory...

  • 34 WEEKS AGO

    All Blacks star Jordie Barrett discusses...

  • 34 WEEKS AGO

    Gloucester's next 'Rees-Zammit' scores incredible...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 4 DAYS AGO

    Supporters can't believe Saracens Sharp's UNBELIEVABLE finish

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Fans in awe as Joyce finishes ‘impossible’ solo try

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: Outlandish Jacob Stockdale finish is truly world class

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Ulster denied THE GREATEST URC try you will ever see!

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Capuozzo break sets Dupont up for hatrick on return

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Wallabies wunderkind Sua'ali' and Scotland captain Tuipulotu clash

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Ireland 'steal' Argentina's opening try as debate rages

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: The biggest hit from week one of the Autumn Nations Series

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    'Cheap shot' from Leicester Tigers vs Northampton Saints causing a stir online

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    Wild moment leads to all in brawl during Welsh derby between Cardiff and Scarlets

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 4 DAYS AGO

    Supporters can't believe Saracens Sharp's UNBELIEVABLE finish

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Fans in awe as Joyce finishes ‘impossible’ solo try

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Insane moment as french backrow waves off medic and smokes Ange Capuozzo

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible drop goal helps break 25-match losing streak

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    Leinster fly half delivers insane 50:22 after being given start for Emerging Ireland

View All

Funnies

  • 1 DAY AGO

    ‘The knee slide was too much’ - Ben Earl reflects on THAT viral moment

  • 1 DAY AGO

    U.S. Army Special Operations Sergeant Major makes big claim about rugby

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    “Put that in the book” - Rieko Ioane’s explosive post reignites feud with Sexton

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Mischievous Marcus Smith spotted engaging in the dark arts during All Blacks match

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Jonny Sexton: 'Fondest memory of the Heineken Cup in 2011?' - 'Gordon D'Arcy's bar' and 'Coppers'

View All

Amateur

  • 100 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 101 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 124 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 124 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 124 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 1 DAY AGO

    ‘The knee slide was too much’ - Ben Earl reflects on THAT viral moment

  • 1 DAY AGO

    Marcus Smith makes big call on his future

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    'Eligible for England' - Fans react to South African star's contract announcement

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    The 19-year-old named the 'future' of English rugby after win against Australia A

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Anthony Watson exclusive: 'I wouldn't be surprised if England win'

View All