Bulls sign 37-year-old former Springbok utility Gio Aplon

The Bulls on Wednesday confirmed the signing of former Springbok utility back Gio Aplon.

Despite being in the twilight of his career at 37-years-old, the Bulls swooped for the former Bok speedster. Aplon played 17 times for South Africa from 2010 to 2012, scoring 25 points. Interestingly, the Bulls issued a press release on their new signing but nowhere did it mention Aplon’s age.

Aplon will join the team from June or as soon as he is able to travel back to South Africa, as Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White continues to build his player group.

Aplon proved to be a nemesis of his new team when he played in the colours of the Stormers and Western Province.

His long and illustrious career in Cape Town, which saw the former Hawthorn School scholar lifting the coveted Currie Cup in 2012, came to an end in 2014 as he moved to French Top 14 club, Grenoble, where he flourished despite the heavier fields.

Aplon joins the Bulls from Verblitz where he played under White’s tutelage.

Aplon said: “The Vodacom Bulls have always been a formidable force in the rugby world. I have always had a great deal of respect for the brand and what it has achieved, and I am truly looking forward to running out at Loftus.

“Coach Jake has an amazing vision and plan for the team, and I am just honoured that he wants me as part of it. I look forward to making the Bulls family proud.”

In partnership with ANA and Sports Leo