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Bulls prop Werner Kruger is set to join the Scarlets for next season
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The 31-year-old tighthead has 113 Super Rugby caps under his belt
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He joins on a three-year contract
Scarlets have signed former Springboks prop Werner Kruger on a three-year contract from next season
The Bulls forward, 31, has made 113 Super Rugby appearances, and played four times for South Africa in 2011-12.
His signing follows Tuesday’s announcement that Wales tight-head Rhodri Jones will leave Scarlets for the Ospreys at the end of the season.
“Werner is a true stalwart for the Vodacom Bulls and Vodacom Blue Bulls over many seasons,” said Xander Janse van Rensburg, High Performance Manager of the BBC.
“He has played over 100 Currie Cup matches and over 100 Vodacom Super Rugby matches so far for us, the only player ever to do that.
“We can only thank him for many years of loyal service.
“We know he will still give his best till his last second on the field for us, but also want to wish him the best in the next stage of his career.”
Kruger is looking forward to the new challenge and believes playing abroad is the right choice.
“I achieved so much with this special team and hopefully can win another Super Rugby title with them this year,” said Kruger.
“I played all my rugby here since leaving school, became a Springbok, won Super Rugby titles and a Currie Cup and made friends for life, but the option with Scarlets is the right one for me at this stage of my career.
“I always wanted to play abroad and this offer comes at the right time.
“I know I still have something to offer the Bulls this season and then help Scarlets in their drive to improve as a team.”
Scarlets Head Coach Wayne Pivac also expressed his pleasure with the new recruit.
“To have a player of Werner’s experience available for the whole season is something we haven’t had for some time,” Pivac told the Scarlets website.
“His presence here at Parc y Scarlets will be a huge plus for the young tightheads developing through the region.”