Former Wasps duo Nizaam Carr and Matteo Minozzi have found new clubs after it was confirmed that they will join the Bulls and Benetton respectively.
Springbok back-row Carr makes a return to the Bulls with immediate effect with his contract running until June 2024, the team announced on Tuesday.
He has made 245 senior club appearances and won five caps for South Africa thus far, with his second stint at Wasps once again impressing supporters.
Carr began his career in the Western Province junior ranks and went on to represent South Africa U20s, South Africa ‘A’ and the Springbok XV outfits.
Carr returns to the Bulls
He also enjoyed a period with the Bulls previously, with his last appearance for the team coming in the losing PRO14 Rainbow Cup final, in June 2021.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
He added: “Who wouldn’t want to work with such a great coach? So to be involved with his setup again, be part of a mindset that is brilliant is exciting, I am really happy to be here again.”
Now in the United Rugby Championship and with a Champions Cup campaign on the horizon, Carr has set his eyes on winning silverware with the Bulls.
“Any team partaking in this competition wants to bring silverware home and for me, it is no different, I am 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 United Rugby Championship trophy to Pretoria,” he said.
“I am 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.”
Minozzi moving to Benetton
Another former Wasps player, Minozzi, has inked a deal with Italian outfit Benetton as he also swaps the Premiership for the United Rugby Championship.
The exciting Italy international full-back has signed a contract until June 2023 but also has the option of extending for a further two years until 2025.
Minozzi, 26, has previously played for Calvisano and Zebre in Italy and made his Test debut in 2017, with his switch to Wasps coming two seasons later.
He made a name for himself during the 2018 Six Nations with the Azzurri, which was a campaign he was nominated for the Player of the Tournament.
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