Loose forward Ben-Jason Dixon, hooker Johan Grobbelaar and utility back Canan Moodie were released from the Springbok squad on Wednesday to join up with their United Rugby Championship teams ahead of the second round of the international club competition.
Dixon hastily caught a plane to Wales on Wednesday, where he will link up with the Stormers, who will face the Ospreys on Saturday.
The versatile loose forward will be a welcome addition for the Cape side as they bid to start the URC with a win away from home, something they’ve struggled with in the past.
The #Springboks have released three players to their @Vodacom #URC franchises - more here: https://t.co/YLH6Ft2YBw 👍#ForeverGreenForeverGold pic.twitter.com/f9ldzGcM8F
Dixon played last weekend against Argentina in Santiago del Estero, a Test the Springboks lost 29-28 to send the Rugby Championship into a decider with the final match played in Mbombela this Saturday.
But he will be ready to kick on for the inaugural URC winners.
Grobbelaar and Moodie, who had limited game-time during the past couple of Tests, were the other two released after the Springboks wrapped up their main training block in Nelspruit yesterday.
The duo will add significant experience to the Bulls, who will face Edinburgh on Saturday at Loftus Versfeld in their first URC encounter of the new season.
Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus was happy that they have sufficient cover in those positions should any injuries arise ahead of the last Test, with the Boks only needing one point to secure the title.
Los Pumas can still claim the title if they win with a bonus point and prevent their hosts from getting any points from the match.
“It would have been special for them if we tick the necessary boxes to win the tournament, but it’s important to do our bit to assist the domestic franchises in their URC campaigns.”
“It would have been great for the players to remain with us and attend Saturday’s game in Nelspruit after their contributions to our Rugby Championship campaign,” Erasmus said.
“And it would have been special for them if we tick the necessary boxes to win the tournament, but it’s important to do our bit to assist the domestic franchises in their URC campaigns.
“They have big games lined up, and every point in the competition counts, so we have no doubt the players will add immense value to their teams.”