The Bulls on Wednesday confirmed the signing of loose forward Jacques du Plessis from French club Montpellier.
This follows an earlier report that Du Plessis was granted an early release from his contract with Montpellier.
Du Plessis' new Bulls deal is effective from 1 July and he has signed for three years.
The 27-year-old, affectionately known as Sheep, started his professional career at Loftus Versfeld where he made his Super Rugby (31 caps), Currie Cup (30 caps) and Vodacom Cup debuts in 2013, after representing the Blue Bulls at under-19 and under-21 levels.
The former Junior Springbok, who stands 2.01m in his socks and weighs around 120kg, can also slot in at lock.
He moved to Montpellier at the end of 2015 where he went on to earn more than 100 caps for the Top 14 club.
"Having Jacques return to Loftus is testament to what we're trying to establish in Pretoria... a franchise where players want to be!" Bulls director of rugby Jake White said in a statement.
"His ability to play as a loose forward and lock gives us depth amongst the forwards. Jacques is an extremely physical and uncompromising player, and we're looking forward to his contributions in the #TrueToTheBlue jersey."
?? NEW SIGNING ALERT??
— Official Blue Bulls (@BlueBullsRugby) April 14, 2021
We are excited to announce the return of a proud son of Loftus: Jacques Du Plessis ?? Welcome back to the #BullsFamily Sheep ?? Here’s some of his most destructive moments ??
More, here: https://t.co/EAK1xeeMi8#TrueToTheBlue pic.twitter.com/bcXxSJTQz3