Ex-Wasps back-rower Nizaam Carr has named his new URC club

Former Springboks back-rower Nizaam Carr has found a new club after his contract at Wasps was shredded when he became one of the 167 players and staff made redundant when the cash-strapped Gallagher Premiership club crashed in administration on October 17.

The five-cap Springboks forward, who made his last Test appearance in November 2016, had rejoined Wasps for a third stint in England for the 2021/22 season. He originally debuted for them in November 2017 and then played for the Stormers in the 2018 Super Rugby before returning to the Coventry-based club.

Carr remained in England until the pandemic-enforced suspension of the 2019/20 season resulted in him heading home again to South Africa, this time to the Bulls. However, Wasps tempted him back last year only for that move to now be reversed, Carr rejoining the Bulls after Wasps dramatically went to the wall a fortnight ago.

A Bulls statement read: “Springboks loose-forward Nizaam Carr returns to the Vodacom Bulls on a deal that runs from November 1, 2022, through to June 2024. The vastly experienced Carr brings (home) an impressive arsenal of skills, having made more than 245 senior club appearances with an additional five caps for the South African national side, the Springboks.

“Carr joins the Vodacom Bulls at the back of another successful stint with the Wasps, with whom he made a total of 74 appearances, scoring 15 tries during his multi-season stay with the English Premiership side.”

Carr said: “I have obviously had a few offers but what came to mind for me was the culture at the Vodacom Bulls and the obvious quality of coaches that really have made me feel welcome already. Because I have worked with the Bulls, I was comfortable and confident in making the decision because I know what I am going to work with, so this is a full circle moment for me.

“The Vodacom Bulls have incredible, quality coaches and I know from my own experience, having worked with Jake White a season or so ago, he made me a better player in how I approach a lot of situations. I know he gives a lot of the boys’ belief when they are on the field, watching how they play with so much belief and confidence, that is because of Jake.

“Who wouldn’t want to work with such a great coach? So to be involved with his setup again and be part of a mindset that is brilliant is exciting, I am really happy to be here again… I’m coming with a lot of ambition. Winning the United Rugby Championship is a box I want to tick and I will do my best to help bring back the trophy to Pretoria.

“I’m equally excited to come home and make our collective dream a reality. It is also exciting to be reunited with the boys again, a team that really looks to help you become better, a cool bunch to be part of.”