Gloucester Rugby sign South African prop with immediate effect

Gloucester Rugby is delighted to confirm the arrival of 26-year-old loose-head prop Dian Bleuler from United Rugby Championship (URC) side, the Hollywoodbets Sharks.

The South African came through the Western Province system and represented their Currie Cup side before making his Stormers debut against the British & Irish Lions during their 2021 tour of South Africa. He then moved to Durban in 2022 to join the Sharks.

Over the next three seasons, Bleuler made 22 appearances for the Sharks, including stints with their Currie Cup squad. He spent some of the 2024/25 season on loan at Irish province Munster, where he featured in seven matches, including four Champions Cup games.

After returning to the Sharks this summer, Bleuler featured off the bench against Glasgow Warriors in the URC just two weeks ago.

Gloucester Rugby’s Director of Rugby, George Skivington, commented:

“It's no secret we've lost a few players to injury, and while we are expecting to get some lads back in the coming weeks, it's great to have Dian come in to fill the space now and provide competition in the long term.

“The set-piece is his bread and butter, but he’s also mobile and dynamic around the park, which fits well with the way we’re trying to play.

“We’re all looking forward to welcoming him into the squad and getting him involved in the coming weeks.”