/ 26 September 2007

Bulls add talented youngsters to line-up

South African Under-19 stars Francois Hougaard and Stephan Dippenaar have signed a three-year contract with the Blue Bulls. Hougaard is a strong scrumhalf who attended Paul Roos Gymnasium and, according to his agent, ''a very aggressive number nine with an excellent pass and outstanding defensive capabilities''.

South African Under-19 stars Francois Hougaard and Stephan Dippenaar have signed a three-year contract with the Blue Bulls.

Hougaard is a strong scrumhalf who attended Paul Roos Gymnasium and, according to his agent, Chris de Beer, ”a very aggressive number nine with an excellent pass and outstanding defensive capabilities”.

”Stephan was also a pupil at Paul Roos, but neither he nor Francois was selected to play Craven Week rugby for the Western Province. Stephan is a very fast outside centre that can play wing as well and he is a fearless defender.”

De Beer said it was in the best interests of both these players to sign with the Bulls because with ”Ricky Januarie, Bolla Conradie, Paul Delport and Conrad Hoffman as Western Province’s contracted scrumhalves and Dylan des Fountain, Corné Uys as well as PJ Vermeulen competing for the number-13 jersey, it makes more sense to seek an opportunity elsewhere”.

The Bulls’ business manager, Ian Schwartz, believes they are two of the most talented young players in South Africa.

”Francois and Stephan were scintillating at the Under-19 World Cup and they impressed everybody. They were not contracted by Western Province in the 2007 season and they were available for negotiations. I met with them as well as their parents and they will fit perfectly into our structures and our style of play.”

Hougaard says he is very excited to join the Bulls because he believes every part of his game can improve in Pretoria.

”I have always been a Province supporter, but the Bulls is an extremely professional franchise and I am looking forward to learn from a player like Fourie du Preez.”

Dippenaar, who has clocked 10,9 seconds over 100m, looks forward to the new challenge and says one of his goals is to be a Springbok rugby player. ”I am very excited over the Bulls contract and one thing I would like to improve during my stay in Pretoria is my running lines.” — Sapa