By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Vodacom Bulls have announced the signing of Khutha Mchunu from the Sharks after a disappointing quarter-final exit in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship last season.
The 20-year old Mchunu, who grew up in Greytown, 72km north of Pietermaritzburg, started playing rugby at seven to channel his “busyness” into something more constructive – advice given to him by a school principal – and representing South Africa at the World Rugby U20 Championship in Georgia.
Mchunu will arrive at Loftus Versfeld following a breakthrough two-and-a-half years with the Sharks, where he started his career in 2018.
He also spent a season on loan with the Cheetahs between 2020 and 2021, but he is looking for a change in scenery following the arrival of Springbok tighthead Vincent Koch at the Sharks.
The Bulls exited the United Rugby Championship at the quarter-final stage, following a 33-21 loss to the Stormers at the Cape Town stadium.
After the loss to the Stormers, coach Jake White mentioned the great need for signings while also confirming that a few will be made with the union currently deep in negotiations with a few parties.
Bulls also announced the signing of former Edinburgh and Lions flyhalf Jaco van der Walt.
The 29-year-old, who can also play at fullback, was released from Edinburgh following a six-year stint in Scotland’s captial, where he also represented Scotland in four Test matches.
Van der Walt started his career at the Lions and spent three seasons in Johannesburg, making 15 appearances in the 2016 Super Rugby season, when Johan Ackermann’s side progressed to the final.
With Morne Steyn having hung up his boots, Van der Walt will provide much-needed depth at flyhalf.
The Vodacom Bulls have already signed utility back Henry Immelman from Edinburgh, to go with Pumas star Sebastian de Klerk and veteran forwards Wilco Louw and Jannes Kirsten.