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Ex-Junior Bok Dian Bleuler rescues injury-stricken PREM outfit
By Josh Raisey
Gloucester have signed former South Africa U20 loosehead Dian Bleuler with immediate effect from United Rugby Championship outfit the Sharks.
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George Skivington’s side are currently toiling through an injury crisis in a variety of positions at Kingsholm, with the props hit particularly hard. Loosehead Val Rapava-Ruskin is continuing to manage a recurring knee issue, while the versatile Jamal Ford-Robinson underwent knee surgery in the summer.
The Sharks’ 26-year-old loosehead Bleuler will provide some cover in the No.1 jersey following a tricky start to the season for the Cherry and Whites, where they are one of two winless sides in the Gallagher PREM.
The Sharks have also experienced a tough start to the season, only managing a draw with the Dragons sandwiched between heavy losses against Glasgow Warriors and Leinster in the first three rounds.
Bleuler made 22 appearances for the Sharks after arriving in Durban from the Stormers in 2022, but spent a portion of last season on loan with Munster, where he played seven games.
The prop will arrive in the West Country with one game under his belt this season, 23 minutes from the bench in round one of the URC against Glasgow.
Gloucester host Bristol Bears on Friday night, where the South African could make his debut.
“It’s no secret we’ve lost a few players to injury,” director of rugby Skivington said. “And while we are expecting to get some lads back in the coming weeks, it’s great to have Dian come in to fill the space now and provide competition in the long term.
“The set-piece is his bread and butter, but he’s also mobile and dynamic around the park, which fits well with the way we’re trying to play.
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“We’re all looking forward to welcoming him into the squad and getting him involved in the coming weeks.”