The Bulls signed Willie le Roux for the new URC season.
URC team-by-team guide: Bulls
With the 2023-24 URC season getting under way this weekend, it’s time to examine how the South African teams are shaping up. Next up: The Bulls.
The Bulls signed Willie le Roux for the new URC season.
A comprehensive guide detailing everything you need to know about the Bulls ahead of the 2023-24 URC season, which kicks off this weekend.
ALSO READ | Jake White names co-captains for Bulls’ 2023/24 season
TEAM VIEW
The Vodacom Bulls have had a busy summer reshaping their squad, highlighted by South Africa international Le Roux returning home from Japan. White will look for Le Roux’s flair to see the Blues make strides after their sixth-placed finish last season following their runners-up performance in the inaugural URC campaign.
BULLS URC GUIDE
Director of rugby: Jake White
Home ground: Loftus Versfeld
URC 2022-23: Final Eight
URC 2021-22: Runners-up
SA Shield 2022-23: 2nd
SA Shield 2021-22: 2nd
New signings: Wilco Louw (Harlequins), Jannes Kirsten (Exeter Chiefs), Henry Immelman (Edinburgh), Sebastian de Klerk (Pumas), Sergeal Petersen (Shimizu Koto Blue Sharks), Jaco van der Walt (Edinburgh), Mpilo Gumede (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Khutha Mchunu (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Akker van der Merwe (Sale Sharks), Willie le Roux (Toyota Verblitz), Devon Williams (Pumas), Deon Slabbert (Pumas).
Opening matches: Scarlets (h), Ulster (a), Zebre Parma (a)
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Vodacom Bulls Director of Rugby, Jake White has confirmed Marcell Coetzee and Ruan Nortje as co-captains who will lead the herd for the 2023/24 season.
Speaking about his appointments, White said: “Marcell (Coetzee) and Ruan (Nortje) are experienced campaigners who understand the demands of playing in three competitions and they have done well in leading us over the last few seasons. Ruan stepped up last season when Marcell took his sabbatical and when he returned, the two of them continued to collaborate until the end of the season,”
“Fortunately for me, this was an easy decision to make because Marcell and Ruan truly embody what it means to be a Vodacom Bulls player. They have tirelessly continued to serve our franchise with humility and hard work, upholding the values and virtues of our community,”
“I know they will do well because they are also surrounded by a strong leadership group which they have been leaning on as well.”
