Johannesburg - Blue Bulls player Stephan Dippenaar has been released by the Blue Bulls Company (Pty) Ltd to take up a contract with SA Rugby's Sevens team.
The union said on Thursday it would let Dippenaar go at the end of October after negotiations between the Bulls and SA Rugby.
"This is a change of direction in my career and one that I am looking forward to tremendously," Dippenaar said.
He had been contracted to the Pretoria side until October 31 next year.
Dippenaar said the opportunity to represent his country remained the ultimate for any player.
"I had great experiences with the Bulls and will use those memories in this chapter of my career."
Dippenaar played for the Bulls in Super Rugby and Currie Cup competitions and has been a part of the union since 2008.
"We identified him at junior level as a great prospect and Stephan has not disappointed us," said Heyneke Meyer, who is head of rugby at the Bulls.
"His game time has been limited due to the availability of experienced Springboks in his position, but he still trained as hard as he could and remained professional in his outlook and attitude," Meyer said.
"I know he will be a great contributor to the Springbok sevens team and their efforts because he brings speed and good defensive capabilities to the team."