Groepes, who joined the Vodacom Blue Bulls two weeks ago on loan from Boland, enjoyed a successful start to his trial with the Currie Cup champions by scoring in a pre-season friendly against Eastern Province and made such a good impression on the coaching staff that he was offered a more lengthy stay.

The 22-year old winger, who played for the SA under-19 team in 2006 before being hampered by an injury, played for the Western Province under-19 and under-21 sides, as well as for the Western Province senior team in the Vodacom Cup.

He was also a star performer for the victorious Maties side in the 2009 and 2010 Varsity Cup competitions. Groepes’ signature comes a week after the BBRU signed promising Western Province scrumhalf Dustin Jinka and the two players ironically played at under-19 and under-21 level together in Cape Town.

Groepes may only be signed for the Currie Cup, but wants to make an impression while he is at Loftus Versfeld. “I was playing club rugby at Maties when the opportunity arose and I jumped at it,” Groepes said, “I came up on a two week trial and worked hard to make an impression and did well enough to get offered a contract. I’d never say no to such an opportunity.

“I am committed to give everything for the Bulls and hope that I can make a contribution to their continued success while I am here. The structures they have here are so impressive and professional that it is a privilege to be involved with this team.”

Vodacom Blue Bulls coach Frans Ludeke praised Groepes for his work ethic and welcomed him to the Blue Bull family.

“Hayden joined us on a short-term loan and put in an unbelievable amount of work to show us that while he has the talent, he has the work ethic to match,” Ludeke said, “He has impressed since he arrived at Loftus and we felt it only fair to give him a longer stay here to show what he can do.”

Groepes will be on the bench for the Vodacom Blue Bulls for their match against the Sharks at Absa Stadium on Saturday.