Blue Bulls utility player Gerhard van den Heever has signed a two-year contract to play for Western Province and the Stormers.

Van den Heever was contracted to the Bulls until the end of October 2013, but after successful negotiations between the two provinces, the Bulls said on Monday he had transferred to the Cape-based outfit.

   His WP contract would start on November 1.

   Van den Heever, who was born in Bloemfontein and schooled in Pretoria, made his provincial and Super Rugby debuts in 2009.

   The 22-year-old excelled at wing and fullback for the Bulls.

   “I am happy that there is an opportunity for Gerhard in a very good environment,” said the Blue Bulls’ head of coaching, Heyneke Meyer.

   “It is a coincidence that he will now play for the team that he made his debut against in 2009.

   “We wish him good luck with his career and we truly hope that he  will achieve his goals.”   

Rassie Erasmus, Province’s senior professional coach, said they hoped Van den Heever would make an immediate impact next season.

   “We believe Van den Heever to be a quality player with the right  attributes to fit into our set-up and vision for the immediate future,” Erasmus said.

   “Despite his young age he brings solid experience at Super Rugby  level.

   “We have a settled base of senior players and a number of emerging young stars and we believe he has the potential to make a valuable contribution at a number of levels.”