Willie le Roux will reportedly leave the Bulls at the end of the season as he is expected not to opt for an extra year in Pretoria with Jake White.

The veteran full-back signed for the Bulls on a two-year deal with the option of an extension for a third campaign but Rapport has reported that Le Roux is not going down that route.

Le Roux joined the Bulls from Japan Rugby League One side Toyota Verblitz last year and played a key role in helping the Bulls to the United Rugby Championship final last season.

Return to Premiership?

Rumours have surfaced that Le Roux, who previously played for Wasps, could return to the Premiership, this time in the colours of Bath, where he would link up with fellow South African Johann van Graan.

The rumours were fuelled by RugbyPass’ report that Le Roux was spotted at Bath last month. Van Graan is believed to be looking for a quality full-back and the veteran Springbok seems like his preferred option.

Le Roux is nearing the back end of his career and sits on 98 caps for the Springboks and head coach Rassie Erasmus has been open about getting the playmaker to the century which will likely happen against Italy next year.

The veteran has certainly slipped down the pecking order with Aphelele Fassi the clear first choice having seen Damian Willemse sidelined once again.

Other activity

Lions skipper Marius Louw is another player who has caught the eye of overseas clubs, but there are no major developments to show yet. However, the Lions did manage to keep Asenathi Ntlabakanye amidst strong interest from Toulouse.

The Johannesburg club is also believed to be trying to renew the contracts of Sanele Nohamba, Edwill van der Merwe and Francke Horne as well.

Springbok veteran Willie le Roux set to leave the Bulls with Premiership return on the cards