Stormers Lose Out To Bulls For Signature Of Exciting Winger

The Vodacom Bulls have pulled one over the Stormers in securing the acquisition of sought-after, highly rated, explosive winger Dylan Maart.

Maart, currently on loan at the Stormers from Griquas as part of a development agreement between the two unions, has proved well worth his place in the side, but will now complete this year’s Currie Cup campaign with the Kimberley-based side, before making his move north to Pretoria, where a new chapter with the Bulls awaits.

The Bulls have pounced on the opportunity to sign the Wellington-born winger following the departure of experienced Springbok winger Kurt-Lee Arendse for Japan, where he will play for Mitsubishi Sagamihara DynaBoars. 

According to Rapport, Bulls coach Johan Ackermann has moved decisively to snap up the 29-year-old, effectively snatching him from under the nose of Stormers director of rugby, John Dobson.

Having made significant contributions for the Stormers at both URC and Investec Champions Cup level, and acclimatising to the squad and life in Cape Town like a duck to water, it prompted Dobson to publicly disclose that the club was looking to turn his loan into a permanent move. 

Those hopes have now been dashed with Ackermann’s swift intervention. 

Losing Maart to their northern rivals, the Bulls, will probably leave Dobson ruing not securing his signature earlier. 

Although Maart has big shoes to fill, he has developed into a complete winger who is lethal in space, solid under the high ball, and defensively astute. Those qualities, and his performances, have caught the eye of the Bulls and will be essential to them negotiating this period of transition.

In further reports, Sharks utility back Hakeem Kunene also seems to be Pretoria-bound later this year, lending further depth and flexibility to the squad competing in an already stacked calendar.