Sharks, Bulls have sights on Bok props

The Sharks are reportedly interested in luring Springbok prop Vincent Koch to Durban, while it's a done deal that Bok front-ranker Wilco Louw will join the Bulls.

According Rapport, Koch could be a replacement for Thomas du Toit, who is being courted by English club Bath where former Bok assistant Johann van Graan is the head coach.

Koch is looking for a new club after his English employers, Wasps, landed in financial trouble.

According to the report, Koch could sign a short-term deal with his former club, Saracens, before later returning to South Africa where the Sharks appear to be his likely destination.

Meanwhile, the Afrikaans newspaper also reported that Louw looks set to join the Bulls on a three-year deal from English club Harlequins. He is expected to arrive in Pretoria next July.

The 28-year-old played the last of his 14 Tests against Argentina at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in 2021.

"I enjoyed my time at Harlequins. The rugby here is different. It was a completely different challenge, which suited me at that stage of my life," Louw said.

"Now there is another good opportunity for me at the Bulls. I am excited to join them. I think the Bulls are in a good space. There are incredibly good coaches. I look forward to working with them." 

Louw played for the Stormers between 2015 and 2019, before a short stint at French club Toulon. He joined Harlequins in 2020.