Burton Francis is leaving the Bulls and Loftus, to join the Lions at Ellis Park.

The 22 year old Bulls flyhalf, has been granted a release from his contract, and will be leaving Loftus at the beginning of November to move down the road to Ellis Park where he will join up with the Lions.

Francis was the Vodacom Cup Player of the Year in 2008, and is an extremely talented proposition. However being behind Morne Steyn, and possibly Jacques-Louis Potgieter next year is not going to help his rugby. At least at the Lions he will most likely be first choice flyhalf.

Whilst it is sad for us Bulls supporters, as I rated Francis highly, it is a great show of kindness from the Bulls who acted in the best interests of the player. Whilst the Lions don’t have the same experience in the backline as the Bulls, hopefully Francis can be the catalyst for change as the Lions seek to reclaim the glory days of the Mid 90′s.

The Bulls thanked Francis for his contribution over the last four years and wished him all the best for the future.

The Bulls are still served well in the flyhalf position. Aside from Morne Steyn, there will be  Jacques-Louis Potgieter, and have a host of talented youngsters in Francois Brummer, Louis Boshoff, JC Roos and Marnitz Boshoff .

Roos and Louis Boshoff are both still under 19, while Marnitz Boshoff is a former SA Schools flyhalf playing in the national Under 21 competition.