The Vodacom Bulls have acquired the services of loose-forward, Marco van Staden, who will make a much-anticipated return to Loftus Versfeld.

The spectacular openside flanker is the latest player to join the Vodacom Bulls ahead of the 2022/23 season, signing a two-year contract that will see the 27-year-old remain at Loftus Versfeld until the end of June 2024.

“Eskom”, as he is affectionately known (for putting a few lights out over his career), spent his junior years at the Vodacom Bulls before graduating to the senior team in 2017. In 2021 he signed with English Premiership side, Leicester Tigers.

Van Staden’s sensational performances, intense work rate and physicality on the field saw him earn a national call-up to the Springboks and subsequently earned no less than nine international appearances in the green and gold jersey.

Vodacom Bulls director of rugby, Jake White, said: “We are ecstatic to welcome Marco back to Loftus Versfeld. We were gutted to see him go a year ago, but we are pleased to have been able to lure him back ahead of the upcoming season.

“Marco is a phenomenal player who has proven himself over the years. We know what he can bring to the team on and off the field. We are looking forward to him contributing to our cause in a busy 2022/23 season where his experience and talent will prove invaluable.”

Van Staden joins the Vodacom Bulls on the back of recent signings that include S’bu Nkosi, Mihlali Mosi, Phumzile Maqondwana, Wandisile Simelane and Chris Smit.

[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]