Vodacom Blue Bulls and Vodacom Bulls player Stephan Dippenaar has been released by the Blue Bulls Company (Pty) Ltd to take up a contract with SA Rugby’s sevens team.

Dippenaar was contracted to the Pretoria side till 31 October 2012, but after successful negotiations between the BBC and SA Rugby, will now be released on October 31, 2011 in order to concentrate on his sevens career.

“This is a change of direction in my career and one that I am looking forward to tremendously,” Dippenaar said. “The opportunity to represent your country remains the ultimate for any player and the opportunity to play sevens makes me very excited. I had great experiences with the Bulls and will use those memories in this chapter of my career.”

Dippenaar played for the Vodacom Bulls in Super Rugby, Vodacom Blue Bulls in Currie Cup and Vodacom Cup and Vodacom Blue Bulls junior sides since 2008.

Commenting on the decision Heyneke Meyer, Head: Rugby at the BBC, said they wish Dippenaar well.

“We identified him at junior level as a great prospect and Stephan has not disappointed us. His game time has been limited due to the availability of experienced Springboks in his position, but he still trained as hard as he could and remained professional in his outlook and attitude. I know he will be a great contributor to the Springbok sevens team and their efforts, because he not only brings speed and good defensive capabilities to the team, his work ethic will be of great value to the junior players in the squad.”