The Bulls have resigned Springbok lock Flip van der Merwe on a contract that will keep him playing Super Rugby until the end of the 2014 season.

Van der Merwe had considered several offers both locally and from overseas but decided to continue his career with the Blue Bulls, where he became a Springbok and will continue helping the side achieve success on the field.

The burly lock, who has played 71 times for the Bulls in Super Rugby, has already established himself as one of the best locks in world rugby, and has stepped into the void left by Bakkies Botha with ease.

"It was an easy decision for me to make. I originally came to Pretoria to learn from Springbok legends like Victor Matfield and Bakkies Botha and I have learnt a lot from them."

"I love my rugby here and feel I have a lot more to contribute to the Bulls and their fans in the future," Van der Merwe said.

Coach Frans Ludeke was delighted at Van der Merwe's decision to stay in the Bulls family.

"Flip has been one of the most committed, hard-working players at the Bulls and he is the rock in our pack of forwards that always gives 100 percent."

"We are ecstatic to have him here to continue to contribute to the Bulls success," Ludeke added.

Van der Merwe will remain at the Bulls until October 2014, and is sure to continue to build on his already impressive reputation both on and off the field.