The “bleeding” of the Bulls is fancied. Zane Kirchner (28) leaves the Pretoria franchise.

The third line of South Africa has signed a two-year contract with the Irish province of Leinster, triple European champion (2009, 2011, and 2012).

The rear Springbok with 24 selections is the third international to leave the Bulls to share his talent in the northern hemisphere.

Before him, flyhalf Morne Steyn had been committed for three years, with the Stade Français. The Top 14 has also managed to attract the second line, Juandre Kruger.

Leinster hopes to have Kirchner before the end of his contract with the Bulls. The rear is still a franchise player in Pretoria until October (editor’s note after the Currie Cup competition in South African provinces).