Why Luan Giliomee is now joining the Bulls from Sharks

The transfer of Luan Giliomee from the Sharks to the Bulls will certainly divide opinions among fans. For those in Durban, it will be a disappointing moment to see the 19-year-old talent leave the coastal side after a bright start to the season, but there is no doubt that his arrival will be warmly welcomed in Pretoria.

So how did this move come about?

Giliomee signed a three-year contract to join the Bulls, and although he was originally due to join the Bulls in December, that has now been brought forward and he should report to training in Pretoria this week.

Rather than forcing him to wait out his existing contract with the Sharks, the two franchises reached an agreement for an immediate release and in exchange, the Sharks secured former Junior Springbok captain and highly rated young hooker Esethu Mnebelele from Pretoria.

Luan Giliomee has shown glimpses of his talent

Despite his transfer being finalised, Giliomee started the season with the Sharks. His final stretch in Durban featured standout performances, most notably a Man of the Match display in the Sharks’ opening-round United Rugby Championship (URC) victory against the Ospreys.

Bulls coach Johan Ackermann told Rapport that there was great excitement about integrating the youngster into their team set up.

“He’s a player with a lot of X factor. He reads the game well and he has already shown that he can play in two positions,” he said.

“We know he’s a No 10 or 15. He’s going to provide good competition for our players. For a young player, it’s the perfect opportunity to learn from Handré Pollard and Willie le Roux, but also, as I always say, to add your own flavour.”

Mixed start to the season

The Bulls opened their 2026/27 United Rugby Championship campaign with mixed results from their opening two-game tour, claiming six points on the road.

Ackermann’s team kicked off their season in Parma with a dominant, seven-try bonus-point victory against Zebre, but on Saturday the Bulls suffered a 26-22 defeat against Munster, although they managed to salvage a losing bonus point late in the match.