'A player with huge potential' - Bath Rugby sign South African scrum-half
Bath Rugby have confirmed the signing of South African scrum-half Bernard van der Linde from United Rugby Championship side the Vodacom Bulls.
The 24-year-old half-back will move to The Rec this summer on a two-year deal, keeping him at the Blue, Black and White until the summer of 2027. Educated at Menlopark High School, van der Linde played rugby at age-group level with the Bulls before signing for the club’s senior team where he’s been in the set-up for the last six years, featuring in the Currie Cup, United Rugby Championship, and Investec Champions Cup.
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Bath head of rugby Johann van Graan said: “Bernard is a player with huge potential. I saw him play as a junior and he impressed me then, both on and off the field. On the field he is a running nine and loves the physical part of the game. Off the field he is diligent and loves the game of rugby. I am really looking forward to seeing his growth at Bath Rugby over the next few years.”
The new signing at scrum-half comes with Bath yet to confirm a new contract for club captain Ben Spencer who is out of contract at the end of the season but keen to extend his stay at the Rec.
Van der Linde added: “As a small kid it has always been rugby all the way. There was never a thought of doing anything else in life. I remember me and my brother playing rugby in the back yard with the neighbours almost every single day after school and training my passes with my dad every time I was bored at home.
“Things I remember from a young age is that my mum and dad have always been very supportive of me and have been to almost every game I played if it was possible. So, I can’t wait for them to come and watch their first game in Bath when the time comes.”
