Bulls sign Pumas flanker Maqondwana

The Bulls confirmed on Thursday that they had acquired the services of Pumas loose forward, Phumzile Maqondwana.

The talented Maqondwana makes the move to Loftus Versfeld after being a core member of the recently crowned Currie Cup champions, the Pumas.

Maqondwana made meaningful contributions to the Mbombela franchise since 2019.

The 25-year-old has signed for the Bulls for the next two years, where he is expected to have an influence in the United Rugby Championship, the Champions Cup and the Currie Cup.

"We are very happy to have signed Phumzile Maqondwana for the next two years at the Vodacom Bulls," confirmed Bulls director of rugby, Jake White.

"He is definitely one of the most exciting players in the country at the moment. We have no doubt that he will add to the depth of our squad and make a great contribution, both as a player and a leader in the upcoming season and beyond."

He first made his mark in the 2017 Varsity Cup, appearing for the University of Free State's Shimlas and was eventually named in the "Dream Team" of that year’s tournament.

In 2018, he was signed by the Lions before heading to Mbombela to feature for the Pumas in 2019.

Not only was he a standout performer for the Mpumalanga side, but his leadership qualities also stood out as he captained the side on a number of occasions.

Maqondwana joins Sbu Nkosi, Ruan Vermaak and Dylan Smith among the Bulls' most recent recruits.

?? NEW SIGNING ALERT ?? Welcome to Loftus Phumzile Maqondwana ?? A direct and abrasive Flanker, Maqondwana won the Airlink Pumas Currie Cup Player of 2021 ?? We think you’ll fit right in ??#TrueToTheBlue pic.twitter.com/6inUqYL5oV