Bulls and Sbu Nkosi part ways as Springbok ‘looks to pursue his rugby elsewhere’

Adam Kyriacou
World XV wing Sbu Nkosi

The Bulls have parted ways with Springbok wing Sbu Nkosi by mutual consent, the United Rugby Championship (URC) team announced on Monday.

According to the South African outfit, Nkosi, who was part of the Boks’ 2019 Rugby World Cup-winning squad, is eager to leave the Loftus Versfeld side.

It’s been a difficult period for the gifted player since that tournament as he was reported missing in December 2022 after going AWOL for three weeks.

Two tries on Bok debut

The wing who scored two tries on his South Africa Test debut against England in 2018, was later found at his father’s house in eMalahleni, Mpumalanga.

After taking a break from rugby, Nkosi returned to action with the Bulls in their URC loss to the Stormers at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria in February.

But now his time at the club is over after the Bulls confirmed his departure on their official website, saying the wing’s exit was by “mutual consent”.

“The Blue Bulls Company has agreed to the early termination of Sbu Nkosi’s contract by mutual consent and the 27-year-old will leave the club with immediate effect,” the Bulls said in a statement.

“After a season in the capital, Nkosi’s adventure at the Bulls comes to an end with the conclusion of the 2022-23 rugby calendar as the player looks to pursue his rugby elsewhere.”

Bulls CEO Edgar Rathbone revealed that Nkosi felt it was time for him to move on.

Wasn’t an easy time

“I would like to thank Sbu for all that he has contributed towards our campaigns during his time with us,” Rathbone said.

“I know it wasn’t an easy time for him personally, but I am confident the support we provided to him was invaluable.

“Having a Springbok winger of his calibre in our team has been a pleasure.

“I know he now feels as though it is the best time to move on and we respect his wishes.”

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