Vodacom Bulls director of rugby, Jake White, has announced a 37-man squad for the overseas trip.

Springbok hooker Bismarck du Plessis, who joined the side earlier in the week, will be a noticeable inclusion to the squad that will also see the return of Johan Goosen, who missed the recent Carling Currie Cup final.

Embrose Papier (scrumhalf) and Sintu Manjezi (lock) have both fully recovered from injury and are also included in the travelling party.

“We have a long and tough URC season ahead, and it will be important how we manage our squad going forward," said White.

"Equally, it is important that we continue building on the winning culture we are creating at the Vodacom Bulls, so it is imperative that we utilize our experienced workhorses and our exciting youngsters.

“We are looking forward to a highly competitive opening three fixtures against Leinster, Connacht, Cardiff and Edinburgh – all quality opposition. All participating teams will be looking to start the season on a high note, and it is no different for us.”

Vodacom Bulls tour fixtures (SA times):

25 September: v Leinster (18h15)
1 October: v Connacht (20h35)
9 October: v Cardiff (20h35)
16 October: v Edinburgh (18h15)

Vodacom Bulls touring squad:

Forwards: Lizo Gqoboka, Simphiwe Matanzima, Gerhard Steenekamp, Mornay Smith, Jacques van Rooyen, Robert Hunt, Bismarck du Plessis, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Joe van Zyl, Sidney Tobias, Schalk Erasmus, Walt Steenkamp, Sintu Manjezi, Reinhardt Ludwig, Ruan Nortje, Janko Swanepoel, Arno Botha, Marcell Coetzee, Jacques du Plessis, Muller Uys, Elrigh Louw, WJ Steenkamp.

Backs: Zak Burger, Embrose Papier, Marco Jansen van Vuren, Keagan Johannes, Johan Goosen, Chris Smith, Cornal Hendricks, Harold Vorster, Lionel Mapoe, Stedman Gans, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Madosh Tambwe, Stravino Jacobs, Ruan Combrinck, David Kriel.