The Bulls have secured the services of Springbok and former Stormers prop Wilco Louw, the Pretoria-based franchise has confirmed.
Louw, 28, is on the books of English side Harlequins and has been heavily linked with a move back to SA, with the Bulls touted as his next destination.
The Bulls ended the speculation when they announced they had agreed to sign the tighthead on a three-year deal from July 1, 2023.
“It is wonderful to have a top international tighthead joining us in the prime of his career,” Bulls president Willem Strauss said.
“Wilco was part of our junior structures and his return will bolster our pack of forwards. We look forward to welcoming him home and know he will help in contributing towards the continued growth of our franchise.”
Louw is a familiar face at the franchise having spent some time at the Bulls between 2013 and 2014.
“My rugby career started at the Bulls and I think it’s every rugby player’s dream to win a few trophies in their career, so I am very keen to join the team and work with great players and coaches to make that dream a reality,” Louw said.
His rugby journey and talent saw him earn a move to French side Toulon from the Stormers in 2019.
Louw spent just a year in Toulon before moving to England in 2020 and won the 2020-21 Premiership Rugby crown with Harlequins, scoring a try in the final against Exeter Chiefs.
The front-row forward is excited about returning home to SA and to the Bulls, who he said has a strong coaching staff, including director of rugby Jake White.
“The Bulls play an exciting brand of rugby and they have great coaches, I am excited for the new challenge ahead.
“I am looking forward to running out in the jersey once more and to having the opportunity in the United Rugby Championship (URC).
“It is exciting to be going back to South Africa and to be reunited with the Bulls. I had an unbelievable time at Harlequins with great memories and hopefully we can make some great memories in Pretoria too.”
Louw has 14 national caps, having made his debut against the All-Blacks back in October 2017.
The Bulls will continue with their URC campaign for this season when they host the Sharks at Loftus Stadium on Sunday (3pm).
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