Stormers and Western Province fans had a bitter pill to swallow on Wednesday when the Bulls announced the signing of Cape favourite Gio “Appels” Aplon.
A Newlands gunsteling before deciding to leave for Grenoble in France in 2014, Aplon made his debut for Western Province in 2005.
After his stint in France, the 37-year-old moved to Toyota Verblitz in Japan in 2017 where he teamed up with now-Bulls coach Jake White.
And with White cleaning house ever since being announced director at the Bulls in March, he
decided to rope in Hawston’s favourite son to help his team to the top.
PERSUASIVE POWERS: New Bulls chief Jake White
Of joining the Bulls, Aplon tells the franchise's website: “The Bulls have always been a formidable force in the rugby world.
“I have always had a great deal of respect for the brand, and I am truly looking forward to running out at Loftus. Coach Jake [White] 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.”
dudley.carstens@inl.co.za