Ex-Stormers and Springbok star Gio Aplon says he never dreamed of playing for the Bulls.
Aplon, 37, signed for the Loftus outfit from Toyota Verblitz in Japan.
A born-and-bred Province man, Aplon played for Western Province and the Stormers between 2005 and 2014, but the fullback will now sing his final song in the jumper of WP’s fiercest rivals.
He tells IOL of the move: “Playing for the Bulls never crossed my mind, ever.
“When Jake [White, the Bulls’ new director of rugby] phoned me a while back to ask about my future plans, I never thought it may involve my joining the Bulls.
“But, I didn’t say ‘No’ to him; I was unsure about my plans for next year so later on gave it some thought.
“I considered the fact I’d always been a Province guy, and thought about the big rivalry between them and the Bulls.
PERSUADED: Loftus' boss Jake White
“But, to be honest, I’m just privileged to be able to play professionally still at my age, and I’m excited about the prospect of playing at a union with such a rich
history and traditions.
“I know they’re thinking big, and who wouldn’t want to be a part of that?
“Exciting times lie ahead at the Bulls, and I couldn’t turn down the chance of playing under Jake and finishing my career in front of my friends and family.”