Western Province Rugby have signed Golden Lions forwards Patric Cilliers and Michael Rhodes, meaning the duo will be available for the DHL Stormers and DHL WP from 2013 onwards.

Cilliers, who became South Africa’s 835th Springbok against Argentina in August, is a versatile prop who can play on both sides of the scrum, whilst Rhodes has played his first-class rugby – for the Sharks and the Lions – in the second and back rows.

Both Cilliers and Rhodes were part of the 2011 Absa Currie Cup-winning Lions side, having moved to Johannesburg from Durban together at the start of last year – that after both completed their schooling at Michaelhouse and also came through the junior Sharks ranks together.

Cilliers has played in four Tests this year – including last weekend’s 31-8 triumph over the Wallabies in Pretoria, coming on as a second-half replacement for Jannie du Plessis.

FACT FILES:

Pat Cilliers:
Full name: Patric Michael Cilliers
Position: Prop
Height: 1,85m
Weight: 110kg
Place and date of birth: Pietermaritzburg – March 3, 1987

Michael Rhodes:
Full name: Michael Kenworthy Rhodes
Position: Lock/flank
Height: 1,97m
Weight: 110kg
Place and date of birth: Durban – December 19, 1987