Bulls confirm short-term deal with England lock: 'It's going to be a fantastic experience'

The Bulls have boosted their lock stocks with the signing of England international Charlie Ewels.

Ewels has signed a short-term deal with the Pretoria franchise until the end of the season. After that, he will return to his English club Bath. 

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?? NEW SIGNING ALERT ?? We are proud to announce the signing of Lock Charlie Ewels on a short term deal ?? Ewels is a veteran of over 100 caps for Bath and 30 caps for England ?? pic.twitter.com/VjMzel9ktF

Ewels suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury during England's tour of Australia last June and is looking to regain his fitness.

Bath also confirmed Ewels' move to South Africa but said he would return to England in time for the 2023/24 season.

"Charlie is an extremely professional and diligent member of our squad," Bath's head of rugby Johann van Graan said in a statement on their website.

"His attitude to his rehabilitation has been exemplary and the next step of his journey is getting back to playing competitive rugby. We feel the Bulls environment will benefit his game and it will be like having a new signing when he returns to the club in the summer." 

Ewels said he was looking forward to a "really exciting opportunity to be experiencing a new country and different competition".

It's expected that Ewels will mainly play for the Bulls in the Currie Cup.

"I'm extremely grateful for the support I've received from everyone here at Bath whilst I've been injured, particularly the medical and S&C (strength and conditioning) departments.  

"I haven't played any rugby since June 2022 so to be able to gain some minutes with an unbelievable franchise like the Bulls is going to be a