Juandre Kruger confirms he is coming home after six years in France

Juandre Kruger has taken to social media to confirm that he will return to the Bulls next season. 

Kruger’s move to Loftus Versfeld is a welcome development for the South African Super Rugby franchise that will have to cope without the services of lock duo Lodewyk de Jager (Sale Sharks) and RG Snyman (Honda Heat).

Kruger, who played for the Bulls between 2008 and 2013, is bidding farewell to France after six years and will link up with the Bulls in time for the 2020 season.

The 33-year-old lock spent three seasons at Racing 92, a relationship that culminated in the club’s 2016 Top 14 title win in Barcelona.

Toulon, who were beaten by Racing in that final, became Kruger’s next port of call and he is now finishing up after another three-year block.

Welcome to the #BullsFamily Juandré Kruger

Can't wait to see you on the field big guy! pic.twitter.com/6OBTRurLaq

— Official Blue Bulls (@BlueBullsRugby) July 17, 2019

He made his Springboks debut in 2012 and went onto to make 17 Test caps, the last coming in 2013 against New Zealand prior to his move to Paris. 

In his social media message, he said: “Hi Bulls family. Juandre Kruger here. It has been a while since I addressed you guys. For those who haven’t heard I am super excited to announce that I am heading back to my old stomping ground, Loftus. 

“I have just done a deal with the Bulls and I will be joining the boys in December later this year. I am looking forward to making you proud. I’ll check you in a few months.”

The Bulls had an average 2018 campaign, winning just eight of their 16 matches before going on to lose in the quarter-finals away to the Hurricanes in Wellington. 

Coming Soon | Kruger 5 #BullsFamily pic.twitter.com/6sAxUxdLNw

— Official Blue Bulls (@BlueBullsRugby) July 17, 2019

Confirmation of Kruger’s signing comes just days after it was announced that Scottish international Josh Strauss will be joining after the World Cup from Sale, the Premiership side, despite having a season remaining on his three-year contract in England.

WATCH: The Blue Bulls media conference as they prepare for round two of the Currie Cup