Pretoria - Bulls utility back Lionel Cronjé has been released from his contract to take up an opportunity with their neighbours, the Lions.
According to the supersport.com website, the deal is of such a nature that the Bulls can recall Cronjé for Super Rugby duty if they have an injury crisis.
Cronjé, who mainly plays flyhalf or fullback, was not named in the Bulls 53-man squad on Tuesday, and coach Frans Ludeke said it was simply a case of looking after the player's welfare.
“It’s a way to ensure he has more time on the field. We have released him for the good of his career,” said Ludeke.
Cronjé joined the Bulls from Western Province eat the end of 2011.
Bulls wider training group for 2013:
Akona Ndungane*, Arno Botha*, Basil Short, Bjorn Basson*, Bongi Mbonambi, Callie Visagie, Chiliboy Ralepelle*, Clayton Blommetjies, Corne Cooper (schoolboy), Cornell Hess, Dawie Steyn, Daniel Kriel (schoolboy), Dean Greyling*, Deon Stegmann*, Dewald Potgieter*, Flip van der Merwe*, Francois Hougaard*, Francois Venter, Frik Kirsten, Grant Hattingh, Handrè Pollard (schoolboy), Hencus van Wyk, Jan Serfontein, Jano Vermaak*, Jacques Potgieter*, Jacques du Plessis, Jean Cook, Jesse Kriel (schoolboy), JJ Engelbrecht*, Juandrè Kruger*, Jürgen Visser, Juan Schoeman, Lionel Mapoe*, Lohan Jacobs, Louis Fouchè, Marcel van der Merwe, Marvin Orie, Mike Williams, Mornè Mellett, Mornè Steyn*, Paul Willemse, Pierre Spies*, Rohan Janse van Rensburg (schoolboy), Ruan Snyman, Rudy Paige, Sampie Mastriet, Schalk van Heerden, Shaun Adendorff, Tiaan Schoeman, Tony Jantjies, Travis Ismaiel, Ulrich Beyers, Werner Kruger*, Wiaan Liebenberg, Wilhelm Steenkamp, Willie Wepener, William Small-Smith, Wynand Olivier*, Zane Kirchner*
*denotes Springboks