Bulls’ hooker Mahlatse Ralepelle extends his stay at Pretoria by two years – Rugby news
Mahlatse Ralepelle, commonly known as Chiliboy Ralepelle, has extended his stay at the Loftus Versfeld by two years. Bulls’ officials have confirmed the extension of the contract of the Springboks international hooker on Thursday
June 2, 2011.
The new contract will bound Ralepelle to stay at the Bulls until October 2013. The news came as sigh of relief for Pretoria based club who is set to lose few important players. The reports are that Bulls’ captain Victor Matfield
will retire after the 2011 Rugby World Cup, Bakkies Botha will move to France to play for Toulon and Gurthro Steenkamp will move to France to join Toulouse, while Danie Rossouw and Fourie du Preez are moving to Japan.
Bulls head coach Frans Ludeke has expressed his delight at Ralepelle’s decision to extend his stay at the club.
Ludeke said, “Chiliboy is one of our leaders in the team, works very hard and brings international experience to the side. His continued presence will help the Bulls to maintain the high standards they want to achieve off and on the field.”
Tzaneen born Ralepelle made his international debut for South Africa’s Under-19 side before making his professional senior club rugby debut for Bulls in 2005. Ralepelle made his provincial side debut for Blue Bulls and he has made 25 appearances for the
provincial side in the Currie Cup.
In 2006, Ralepelle was appointed as the captain to lead the Springboks Under-21 side in the 2006 Under-21 Rugby World Championship. His exceptional performance earned him a place in the Springboks senior squad. Ralepelle made his international debut against
the All Blacks side on August 26, 2006 at Loftus Versfeld during the 2006 Six Nations tournament. Ralepelle is renowned for his strong arms and he so far has made 18 international appearances for Springboks including 10 Tri Nations’ appearances.
The 24-year-old Ralepelle’s rugby career has been affected by different injuries. In the last five super rugby seasons, he has just played 32 super rugby matches and scored 10 points.
Ralepelle has termed the Bulls as his “home and family” and expressed his satisfaction with the new contract. He said, “I have played for the Blue Bulls since high school, became a Springbok here and won numerous titles with this team.” Ralepelle further
added, “I am happy to add my weight to those who want to make sure that the Bulls remain a powerhouse.”
In other news, Bulls have confirmed the deal with the former Lions and Clermont Auvergne hooker Willie Wepener. Additionally reports are that Bulls hooker Gary Botha is also negotiating his contract and may announce his move
in a few weeks time.
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