Springboks send SOS call to Bulls youngster Canan Moodie

Bulls utility back Canan Moodie will join the Springboks this week as backline cover following the suspension of winger Kurt-Lee Arendse.

Moodie, who has had a meteoric rise since becoming a regular at the Bulls under Jake White, will join the squad in Johannesburg as they prepare for the second Rugby Championship clash against the All Blacks at Ellis Park on Saturday. 

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Arendse received his marching orders after colliding in the air with New Zealand's Beauden Barrett in the 74th minute of South Africa's 26-10 at Mbombela stadium and will only be allowed to return to action from 18 September.

This means he will miss the next three Springbok Tests in the Rugby Championship. 

Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber was excited to welcome Moodie, who can also cover fullback, into the Springbok set-up in what marks his first senior national call-up.

"Canan is one of the exciting young backline prospects in the country, as he showed in the United Rugby Championship this year," said Nienaber.

"His consistently superb performances earned him a place in the final against eventual champions, the Stormers, and this, combined with his Junior Springbok experience in the 2021 Under-20 International Series, will set him in good stead as he enters the Springbok environment.

"Canan was due for a second stint with the Junior Boks this year but unfortunately missed out because of injury. He has a high work ethic, and he's a skilful player, so we are excited to see what he brings to the squad," said Nienaber.