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Bulls 'steal' another Lion

Cape Town - The Blue Bulls have signed South African Under-20 lock Paul Willemse from their cross-Jukskei rivals, the Golden Lions.

This was revealed by Rugby365 on Thursday afternoon. Willemse is the second Lions player in as many weeks to join the Pretoria side after loose forward Grant Hattingh signed last month.

Willemse, who will join the Bulls next season, shined for the struggling Lions in Super Rugby and his departure will leave them severely depleted in the second row.

This setback comes after regular Lions captain, Josh Strauss, stepped down as captain on Wednesday. Strauss is not happy with his own form and wants to focus solely on improving his game.

Lions interim coach Johann Ackermann has handed the captaincy to prop JC Janse van Rensburg on a temporary basis.

Ironically, they play the Bulls in a friendly clash at Wits University on Friday night.

The Lions start the defence of their Currie Cup crown at home against the Free State Cheetahs on August 11
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