Bulls name beefy touring squad for Champions Cup mission to Northampton

The squad has also been bolstered by the inclusion of new signing Kade Wolhuter, who will compete for the flyhalf berth. Handre Pollard, among other Springboks, is unavailable due to a mandatory rest period.

Elrigh Louw will also continue his return to full fitness now that he is two matches into his comeback from long-term injury. There is also a welcome return for Nizaam Carr, who has spent recent months in rehabilitation.

The squad travels north on Thursday, while the team for this weekend will be announced on Friday.

Bulls touring squad

Forwards: Akker van der Merwe, Alulutho Tshakweni, Cobus Wiese, Elrigh Louw, Jean Erasmus, Gerhard Steenekamp, Jaco Grobbelaar, JF van Heerden, JJ Theron, Johann Grobbelaar, Juann Else, Khutha Mchunu, Marcell Coetzee, Mornay Smith, Mpilo Gumede, Nizaam Carr, Reinhardt Ludwig, Sti Sithole.

Backs: Sergeal Petersen, David Kriel, Devon Williams, Embrose Papier, Harold Vorster, Kade Wolhuter, Keagan Johannes, PA van Niekerk, Paul de Wet, Sebastian de Klerk, Stedman Gans, Stravino Jacobs, Willie le Roux, Zak Burger.