Big Duane to lead #BullsFamily

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The Vodacom Bulls are proud and excited to announce that big Duane Vermeulen will captain the #BullsFamily, while Arno Botha and Gio Aplon will serve as deputies.

The 34-year-old World Cup winning no.8 is no stranger to leadership roles as he captained the Springboks against New Zealand in Wellington last year while he also wore the DHL Stormers’ armband in 2015.

Couple this with his experience of both Southern and Northern hemisphere rugby, on top of his never-back-down attitude and dedication to perfecting his craft, and it becomes easy to understand his appointment.

Loose forward Arno Botha and utility back Gio Aplon’s appointments as Vermeulen’s deputies were based on similar calculations with Botha (28) having always been earmarked to have a hand in the Vodacom Bulls’ leadership since his junior days at Loftus Versfeld where he led the Vodacom Blue Bulls at various levels including the Currie Cup.

The 37-year-old mercurial and hot stepping utility back Aplon brings a wealth of experience that includes the DHL Stormers, Grenoble and Toyota Verblitz while boasting 17 Springbok caps, he certainly knows how and when to bring the magic on the field. It is this experience that has created a level headed, tactical type of player which will serve the younger backs greatly in the coming seasons.

The Vodacom Bulls have always had the privilege of having some of the finest leaders in world rugby amongst their ranks and it is no different at present with the likes of Trevor Nyakane, Morné Steyn, Nizaam Carr and Ivan van Zyl all highly capable leaders, both on and off the field.

Vermeulen thanked White for showing faith in him as a leader while encouraging the loyal #BullsFamily supporters during this difficult time.

“It is always a privilege to play a game of rugby and it is one I never take for granted. It’s a massive honour to be appointed captain of this group, especially at this exciting time when so much is expected from us. A huge thank you must go out to Jake and the management team for trusting me with this immense privilege.”

“This year has been a difficult one for many South Africans but rugby will return and when it does the Vodacom Bulls will be ready to make you proud.”

Vodacom Blue Bulls U21 management confirmed

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The Blue Bulls Company has confirmed the coaching management of the Vodacom Blue Bulls U21 as they gear up in anticipation of defending their SA Rugby U21 Championship crown if and when the season resumes.

This year’s SA Rugby U21 Championship will run parallel with the senior Currie Cup and will feature six teams in a single round of matches before the knockout rounds.

The #BullsFamily is not only proud of the success of their juniors of last year but also determined to create a winning culture and become a powerhouse at junior as well as senior levels which is in-line with Director of Rugby, Jake White’s long-term vision for the franchise.

Hayden Groepes has been named as head coach after successfully guiding the Vodacom Blue Bulls U19 to glory last year and will look to emulate that success at U21 level.

Groepes is no stranger to the junior structures at Loftus Versfeld with the former Vodacom Blue Bulls utility back serving various roles from technical analyst to head coach, while he has also Vodacom Super Rugby and Currie Cup experience as a skills coach.

The U21s will also have the combined experience of Pine Pienaar and David Manuel as assistant coaches and their senior coaching experience at Vodacom Super Rugby, Currie Cup, Super Sport Rugby Challenge, and Vodacom Cup level will ensure that the U21s have everything they need to defend their title.

One of White’s mandates is to align the region’s rugby structures from schools through to clubs and up to Vodacom Super Rugby by ensuring that the same blueprint is followed and the appointment of former Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool and Blue Bulls Craven Week coach, Jaco Koch, as assistant forward coach is another step into making this a reality.

White was excited about the junior coaching and support group, “It’s great to have a junior structure where we can grow and develop not only the young players but also the staff. This is the foundation on what happens at a senior level, and I’m extremely pleased with the group we have entrusted with this task. Hayden has enjoyed success with the u19s last year, and will be keen to continue with the bulk of that those players moving into this division”

Vodacom Blue Bulls U21 management:

  • Head coach: Hayden Groepes
  • Assistant coach – Backs: Pine Pienaar
  • Assistant coach – Forwards: Jaco Koch
  • Assistant coach – Breakdown: David Manuel
  • Scrum coach: Edgar Marutlulle
  • Conditioning coach: Shaun du Toit, Yusuf Vahed
  • Physiotherapists: Kyle Meyer, Um’r Ismail
  • Team doctor: Dr Gerhard Louwrens
  • Logistics manager: Tshepo Mashigo
  • Team manager: Werner de Beer
  • Rehab specialists: Armond de Wet, Tirsa Pittaway
  • Speed Coach: Jacus Coetzee

BullsFamily welcomes Clinton Swart

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The Blue Bulls Company can confirm that 27-year-old Clinton Swart will join the Vodacom Bulls effective immediately.

Swart is a versatile player who is an accomplished flyhalf with a proficient boot as a goal kicker and is also more than comfortable in the midfield. He represented the Pumas at Craven Week and Under 19 level before enrolling at the University of Pretoria. His return marks a homecoming of sorts for the talented back as he represented the Vodacom Blue Bulls U21 in 2012.

The brutally effective runner turned out for the Valke before he moved to Kimberley to don the Tafel Lager Griquas jersey and it was during his stay in the Northern Cape where his hard work paid off as he was drafted into the Toyota Cheetahs Vodacom Super Rugby squad.

In 2018, he linked up with Japanese Top League outfit, Toyota Verblitz, where he was coached by the current Vodacom Bulls Director of Rugby, Jake White, and played alongside fellow Vodacom Bulls newcomer Gio Aplon.

His signing will add immense value to the backs while his ability and experience will allow the backline more room to express themselves.

White welcomed Swart to the #BullsFamily, “I do not doubt that Clinton will fit in perfectly into our plans. He is an expressive and hard-running player with an immense work rate. Having worked with him and coached him before, he knows perfectly well what I expect of him.”

‘Jake bel die Polisie’

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The Vodacom Bulls are excited to welcome experienced prop Jacques van Rooyen, aka “Policeman”, who will join the #BullsFamily with immediate effect.

The 33-year-old loosehead prop best epitomises the term ‘late bloomer’ as he only signed his first professional contract with the Emirates Lions back in 2013 and blossomed into a mainstay amongst the front rowers, featuring in all three Vodacom Super Rugby finals played by the Lions.

Van Rooyen, affectionately known as the “Policeman” due to his association with Pretoria Police Rugby Club, explored his options overseas and turned out for Bath and the NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes before returning to South Africa.

Van Rooyen’s experience will also add immensely in mentoring the younger loosehead props while his effective scrummaging technique and incredible mobility will bolster the Vodacom Bulls as Director of Rugby, Jake White, continues to add firepower to his squad.

 

#BullsFamily bids Nonkontwana farewell

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The #BullsFamily bid farewell to loose forward Abongile Nonkontwana today. The 25-year old former SA Schools and Junior Springbok joined the Vodacom Bulls after finishing his schooling at St. Alban’s College in 2014 and went on to represent the franchise at U19, U21, Super Sport Rugby Challenge, Currie Cup and Vodacom Super Rugby level.

Nonkontwana, who can also play in the second row, made a name for himself as a quality loose forward with a high work rate.

In 2018, he joined the Toyota Cheetahs where he tasted European rugby in the Guinness PRO14 before returning to Loftus Versfeld for the 2020 Vodacom Super Rugby season and featured in several matches before the COVID-19 pandemic put paid to the global rugby season.

The entire #BullsFamily wishes him all the best with his journey ahead.

#BullsFamily bids Herbst farewell

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The Blue Bulls Company confirms that prop Wiehahn Herbst will leave Loftus Versfeld to join the Emirates Lions.

Herbst joined after the 2018 season and spent a year and a half in the colours of the Vodacom Bulls where his experience assisted immensely on the field and also in the grooming of some of the younger front row crop.

Director of Rugby, Jake White, thanked Herbst for his services and wished the burly front rower well with his new endeavour, “Wiehahn is an experienced prop who has learnt his trade internationally. We know he will add value at the Emirates Lions, and wherever he travels beyond that. We wish him all the best with his path ahead, and hope he grows from strength to strength.”

Herbst thanked the #BullsFamily for the memories, “My time at Loftus may have been short but it was packed with memories. Thank you for welcoming me into the #BullsFamily and allowing me the opportunity to play in the blue jersey.”

 

#BullsFamily bid Visagie farewell

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The Blue Bulls Company confirmed today that experienced hooker Jaco Visagie will be leaving Loftus Versfeld and will link up with the Emirates Lions.

Visagie made his first-class debut in 2013’s Vodacom Cup and went on to represent the franchise at all levels including U19, U21, Currie Cup and Vodacom Super Rugby. He earned his 50th cap for the Vodacom Bulls against the Blues earlier this year.

Director of Rugby, Jake White, wished Visagie well on his journey, “Jaco has been a loyal servant and warrior for the #BullsFamily for ten years, and has given his best in that time. I wish him well as he embarks on this new chapter in his rugby career at the Emirates Lions.”

Visagie thanked the #BullsFamily for backing him, “It’s been an amazing journey, to say the least, filled with highs and lows, and I’m sincerely grateful for the opportunities that I have been granted at Loftus. I’d like to thank my teammates, the management, the staff, and everybody else that’s contributed to my career thus far. I’m excited about the next step, and look forward to the journey ahead.”

#BullsFamily bids farewell to Odendaal

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The Blue Bulls Company today confirmed that center Burger Odendaal will be departing the #BullsFamily. The 27-year-old, who also captained the Vodacom Bulls earlier this year, will be making his way across the Jukskei to neighbouring franchise, the Emirates Lions.

Odendaal started his professional career at Loftus in 2012 making his debut in the Vodacom Cup a little before turning 20. He is also one of the few current players to have surpassed the 50-cap mark in both Vodacom Super Rugby and Currie Cup.

Jake White, Director of Rugby at the BBCo, thanked Odendaal for his contributions and wished him well, “Burger has poured a lot of himself into the #BullsFamily over many years, and for that we are eternally grateful. He is a great guy that has had an impact on many players at Loftus, and I have no doubt that he will do really well at the Lions. We sincerely wish him all of the best with his career going forward.”

Odendaal humbly bid farewell to players and fans, “It is with a heavy heart that I bid farewell to the #BullsFamily. It was an honor to call Loftus home for the last nine years and I want to thank each and every one who had an influence or part to play in my journey. I will cherish the good memories and hope that I have made lifelong friendships. All the best, stay safe.”

 

#BullsFamily bids farewell to flank Josh Strauss

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The Blue Bulls Company would like to confirm that it has reached a mutual settlement with flank Josh Strauss regarding his departure from Loftus.

The Scottish international joined the Vodacom Bulls in 2019 and featured strongly in the 2020 Vodacom Super Rugby competition before it was halted due to Covid-19.

Contrary to media reports, there has been an open line of communication between BBCo Director of Rugby Jake White, and Strauss’ management agency over the last few months.

Strauss was open and honest in informing the Vodacom Bulls that he would be looking at other offers from overseas clubs, due to the financial strain after salary cuts across the board in South African Rugby.

He also strongly emphasised that the travel and distance between him and his family in Cape Town were starting to take its toll and that he was looking forward to spending more quality time with them.

White thanked Strauss for his commitment and wished him well, “Josh is a great guy and I truly respect his decision to put his family first. It’s a tough situation to be in, working and living far away from your kids and not seeing them as often as you like. We fully understand his situation and would like to sincerely thank him for his commitment and efforts while at the Bulls, and wish him everything of the best with his path ahead.”

 

#BullsFamily lock in Manjezi 

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The Blue Bulls Company can confirm that 25-year-old lock forward Sintu Manjezi will join the Vodacom Bulls from the Toyota Cheetahs from 1 July.

Manjezi has stamped his authority in the Guinness PRO14 in recent seasons as a tough as nails and uncompromising lock in the Toyota Cheetahs’ pack. His core strength in the scrum coupled with his prowess at lineout time and ability to poach the ball off the ground makes him a valuable asset to the Vodacom Bulls. He is also versatile as he can pack down on the side of the scrum when called upon.

The 1.98m and 114kg former St. Andrews Grahamstown scholar started his career in the colours of the Eastern Province Kings and made his Vodacom Super Rugby debut for the Southern Kings in 2015.

He also cut his teeth in the FNB Varsity Cup, South Africa’s premier university competition, in the colours of FNB NMMU before shifting to the Tafel Lager Griquas.

The gifted lock forward made the move to Bloemfontein at the end 2018 where he represented the Toyota Cheetahs in the PRO14, routinely showing up his European opponents, and assisted the Toyota Free State Cheetahs in lifting the Currie Cup during last season’s successful campaign.

The #BullsFamily can expect big things with the signing of Manjezi as Director of Rugby, Jake White, continues to add firepower amongst the tight five. “Sintu is a talented player for the future and is a powerhouse that packs all the skills that make a good lock. He can slot in at lock or as a loosie, and I firmly believe that he has what it takes to play at the highest level..”

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