Bulls prop off to Italy

Bulls prop Rayno Gerber will join Italian club Rovigo with immediate effect after a frustrating stint in Pretoria.

Gerber is believed to have been frustrated due to a lack of game time since rejoining the Bulls after a two-year stint at Stade Francais and was granted an early release from his contract, which was due to expire in October, on Friday.

Gerber was on a short-term contract with the Pretoria side during which he was largely used at Vodacom Cup level.

Although he did play Super Rugby, he was overlooked for Currie Cup participation with Springbok Werner Kruger and Frik Kirsten considered the top tightheads.

Gerber’s departure follows that of fellow front ranker Rossouw de Klerk to Bloemfontein. Promising Cheetahs tighthead Marcel van der Merwe has been signed as his replacement.