TWO Springbok locks cash in on SA Rugby’s overseas selection policy
· The South African
Two Springboks locks, Ruan Nortje and Salmaan Moerat, are set to leave their respective South African unions sides at the end of the current season to pursue opportunities overseas.
Both players have played significant roles for their franchises – the Bulls and Stormers, respectively – and their departures mark the end of important chapters in their careers.
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Ruan Nortje to leave Bulls for Japan
The Bulls confirmed that Nortje will join a club in Japan once the current season concludes, ending a career at Loftus Versfeld that has spanned nearly a decade.
The 27-year-old lock has spent his entire senior professional career with the Pretoria-based side since making his debut in 2018.
His consistent performances saw him earn recognition at international level, collecting 18 caps for the Springboks.
Nortje has played 146 matches for the Bulls and could reach the 150-cap milestone if he features in the team’s remaining fixtures, potentially achieving the landmark against Benetton Rugby in mid-May.
Reflecting on his time with the Bulls, Nortje said representing the team had fulfilled a lifelong dream.
“For me, it was a little boy’s dream come true to represent the Bulls. I’d have been happy with one appearance and never imagined I’d get to almost 150 matches.”
He added that his decision to move abroad was influenced largely by family considerations.
“It’s a very emotional decision, but it’s all about my wife and my family – they are my number one priority.”
Nortje has also been a key leader within the squad, captaining the side 37 times, placing him among the most frequent captains in the union’s history.
Bulls head coach Johan Ackermann praised Nortje’s contribution to the team.
“He has given almost 10 years of his career to the Bulls and been the heart and soul of the team.”
Bulls CEO Edgar Rathbone added that Nortje’s commitment and leadership would leave a lasting legacy at the union.
FACTFILE: RUAN NORTJE
Full names: Ruan NortjeDate of birth: 25 July 1998Place of birth: PretoriaSchool: WonderboomSpringbok #928Physical: 2.00m, 113kgCurrent age: 27 Test summary: Tests: 18 Tries: 1First Test: 9 July 2022 – Reserve against Wales at Free State Stadium, BloemfonteinLast Test: 29 November 2025 – Lock against Wales at Principality Stadium, CardiffSalmaan Moerat heading to France
Meanwhile, Stormers lock Salmaan Moerat, 28, will depart Cape Town at the end of the season to take up an opportunity in France.
Moerat is a product of the Western Cape rugby system, having captained Paarl Boys’ High School and the Western Province U18 side at the 2016 Craven Week.
He later led the South Africa national under-20 team before making his Stormers debut against the Highlanders in Dunedin in 2018.
Since then, Moerat has earned 70 caps for the Stormers and captained the side in their first match of the United Rugby Championship against Benetton Rugby in Treviso in 2021.
He has served as club captain for the past two seasons and also captained the Springboks during that time.
He has played 11 Tests to date.
Stormers director of rugby John Dobson acknowledged the impact Moerat has had at the franchise.
“Salmaan embodies a lot of what we are about as a team. He is a homegrown talent from a renowned rugby family who has earned the respect of team-mates and opponents alike.”
Dobson said the club supports the move as it offers Moerat and his family an opportunity for financial security.
Emotional farewells
Moerat said the decision to leave the Stormers was not an easy one but expressed gratitude for the memories he has made with the team.
“I grew up dreaming of playing for this team and the memories I have will stay with me forever.”
Both players are expected to finish the season with their current teams before embarking on the next stages of their professional careers abroad.
Due to SA Rugby’s current policy of allowing the selection overseas-based players in the Springbok squad, both players could well add to the Test cap tally in the 2026 season.