Vodacom Bulls establish Relief Fund

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The Blue Bulls Company and Blue Bulls Rugby Union are proud to announce the establishment of the Vodacom Bulls Relief Fund, which is aimed at assisting employees and those that serve in club and community rugby in our region.

This essential and ground-breaking initiative in the rugby industry has been kick-started by the generosity of our amazing shareholders, Remgro and Mr. Patrice Motsepe, together with our main sponsor Vodacom. Collectively they have contributed R1,5 million to get the project off the ground.

Willem Strauss, President of the Blue Bulls Rugby Union, outlined the importance of the fund, while also hailing the shareholders and sponsor as heroes, “There are hundreds of dedicated people that pour their hearts and souls into keeping rugby alive and well in our communities. For many of them, this is their only source of income, and at a time like this, with no rugby action, this fund is literally the difference between a meal or not.

“I’d like to humbly and sincerely express our gratitude to our shareholders Remgro, Mr. Motsepe, and our title sponsor Vodacom. Their contribution re-emphasizes their commitment to all Blue Bulls stakeholders and not just the Professional game. This combined effort highlights the amazing synergy and relationship between the three shareholders and Vodacom. We are honored to have partners that understand the needs of the people and the community.”

Pieter Uys, Chairman of the Blue Bulls Company, reiterated the importance of the fund, “It is important in these difficult times to make a difference and to support our Blue Bulls people and clubs as they are the heart of our wonderful brand. Sustaining the support structures at clubs and community levels during this time is essential for the future of the game in the region. It not only assists the individuals involved but also ensures a smooth restart when we get to that stage. I’d like to once again thank the shareholders for their generosity, and especially Vodacom for showing that they are more than a sponsor to the #BullsFamily.”

Michelle van Eyden, Executive Head of Sponsorship at Vodacom added, “Since 2004 we have been a proud member of the Vodacom Bulls family and have been privileged to work with the passionate rugby people in this community, through the highs and the lows. This is a tough time for so many of these amazing people, but they still give everything for the game they love. As a member of the #BullsFamily, we are humbled to be able to support the Vodacom Bulls Relief Fund, and give back to them.”

https://youtu.be/9SgXb6-3Dss

Reuniting another set of Kriel brothers

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The Vodacom Bulls will be reuniting another set of Kriel brothers at Loftus, as we confirm the signing of exciting fullback David Kriel who joins the #BullsFamily from the DHL Stormers. He will link up with his younger brother Richard and the rest of the team on 1 November as Director of Rugby, Jake White, continues to re-engineer the ‘Blou-Masjien’.

The 21-year-old weighs in at 94kgs and stands at a whopping 1.94m. He is an ominous threat with ball in hand while his height becomes an obvious advantage when contesting the high ball.  As with all the other Kriels linked to the Bulls over the last few years, his younger brother and the more famous twins Jesse and Dan, he is a hard-running physical back with an immense work rate.

 

The #BullsFamily would have seen glimpses of the former Grey College scholar’s potential when he squared off against the Vodacom Blue Bulls U21 in last year’s SA Rugby U21 Championship final and although he had to settle for second place then, he was without a doubt a standout performer on the day.

 

Director of Rugby, Jake White, expressed his delight in Kriel’s signing and expects big things from him when rugby resumes.

 

“David is a solid choice at fullback or centre so to have his signature not only bodes well for the Vodacom Bulls but is also a sign that youngsters can see the value in joining us. I look forward to seeing him grow at the #BullsFamily as he is destined for bigger things in his young career,” said White.

Younger brother Richard, is also looking forward to sharing the same colours, and is obviously excited as he joked about their reunion, “This is great news, as we now get to put an end to the age old family debate about who’s our mum’s favourite,” he laughed, “David is an amazing rugby player, but more importantly an overall lekker guy who will slot into our #BullsFamily culture perfectly. He has had a huge impact on me, and I’m really glad we get to take these next steps together.”

 

#BullsFamily bid Libbok farewell

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The Vodacom Bulls confirm that flyhalf Manie Libbok has decided to continue his career in Durban with the Cell C Sharks after five years of dedicated service to the #BullsFamily.

Libbok, who can also play at fullback and has dabbled on the wing and centre, certainly made his mark at Loftus Versfeld with his never-say-die attitude and his energetic nature. The 22-year-old former Junior Springbok and SA Schools star represented the franchise at every level before stamping his authority in Vodacom Super Rugby.

“Libbok is a great young player, and will grow into something very special. We respect his decisions and wish him well with the next steps in his career,” said Director of Rugby, Jake White.

The #BullsFamily wish Libbok all the best with his future endeavours and thank him for the memories made and loyal service to the Vodacom Bulls.

https://youtu.be/FQHjGrBa3RE

White adds Breakdown Specialist to new coaching setup

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Vodacom Bulls Director of Rugby, Jake White, today confirmed his much anticipated senior coaching group, after what may best be described as an overhaul of the BLOU MASJIEN since his induction into the role in March earlier this year.

White heads up the group, with his trademark hands-on approach, rolling up the director sleeves and grabbing the head coach whistle. This comes as no surprise, as he has always eluded to the fact that he would lead from the trenches.

What will probably be the talking point of this group, is the creation of a new dedicated position for a breakdown specialist. This new role will be filled by the veteran warrior Nollis Marais, an experienced campaigner among various coaching roles at the Blue Bulls Company. Marais is no stranger to high-pressure roles, as he filled the head coach position at this level in 2017.

White outlined the importance of the role, “Teams have always had consultants or forwards coaches addressing the breakdown as part of their broader roles. This will become a key focus area for us going forward, especially with the breakdown laws being changed. It also speaks to the type of rugby we will be looking to play. Nollis has been around the block and knows exactly what we need. I have no doubt that he is the perfect man for this job.”

World Rugby announced a breakdown guideline to assist with the implementation of existing laws revolving around one of the most dynamic facets of the game with Marais ensuring that all teams that fall under the banner of the Vodacom Bulls and Vodacom Blue Bulls can adapt to and successfully implement on the field.

A new face to the group is Joey Mongalo, who joins the #BullsFamily as the defense coach, after a decade with the Emirates Lions and Xerox Golden Lions where he served several roles including defense and attack for the Vodacom Super Rugby, Currie Cup, SuperSport Rugby Challenge and junior teams where he assisted in winning silverware including back-to-back SA Rugby U19 Championship titles.

He also served as an assistant coach to the Junior Springboks in 2016; Director of Coaching at King Edwards the VII School in Johannesburg and the Defence Coach of FNB Wits in the FNB Varsity Cup.

Mongalo has developed a unique perspective as a coach and stands by his philosophy which makes him the perfect candidate to join the #BullsFamily but he is no stranger to Loftus Versfeld as he represented the union in the Currie Cup and various junior campaigns that wielded an SA Rugby U20 Championship title and two SA Rugby U21 Championship titles. He also spent a year as the Blue Bulls Company Marketing Assistant.

Russel Winter was officially announced as forwards coach last week, while current backline coach Chris Rossouw continues his work with the backs. Pine Pienaar moves out of his role as a defense coach, and into the role of technical advisor.

White is also in the process of addressing the need for a new scrum coach, “The BBCo will also be looking to announce a new scrum coach shortly, as we have agreed to release Daan Human to the Springboks. He has done some amazing work with the pack, as can be seen on the field, and undoubtedly be missed at Loftus. We have already engaged a few candidates and are confident that we will announce a suitable replacement shortly.”

The junior structures are integral to the BBCo and form a formidable part of the overall brand success. The BBCo will also be announcing the Junior coaching and management team within the next few weeks.

https://youtu.be/GO3afEZDjrk

 

Ismaiel returns to Loftus Versfeld

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The Vodacom Bulls are delighted to announce the return of one of Loftus’ favourite sons as the quickfire Travis Ismaiel returns to Pretoria after a short stint with Harlequins in the English Premiership.

Ismaiel needs no introduction to the #BullsFamily as he established himself as the incumbent left-wing for several seasons before his move abroad.

A Bulls man through and through, Ismaiel has represented the franchise at every level from U19 to Vodacom Super Rugby with the 27-year-old former Hoërskool Tygerberg scholar earning 39 Vodacom Super Rugby caps and scoring 10 tries.

Ismaiel continued to shine at Loftus Versfeld which saw him make his Springbok debut in 2018 against Wales in Washington DC after turning out for South Africa A against the English Saxons in 2016. His national duty had thus come full circle as he assisted the Junior Springboks to glory in 2012 when they won the World Rugby U20 Championship in Cape Town.

Director of Rugby, Jake White, stated that it bodes well for the Vodacom Bulls that players of calibre such as Travis can see value in re-joining the team, and is looking forward to working with him when rugby returns.

“Travis is a quality player that I believe has unfinished business in Super Rugby and beyond, so it is great to see him returning to Loftus Versfeld. He has a knack for finding the try line and has scored some scintillating tries for us in the past so I’m looking forward to working alongside him.”

 

Schalk Erasmus joins #BullsFamily

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The Vodacom Bulls are excited to announce that DHL Western Province hooker, Schalk Erasmus, will make the move to Pretoria as of June 2020 or as soon as travel restrictions allow. He signed a three-year contract that will see him at Loftus Versfeld until October 2023.

Erasmus is no stranger to Pretoria as the 22-year-old dynamic front-rower was schooled at Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool (Affies) where he also represented the Blue Bulls at various age-group Craven Weeks and the SA Schools team in 2016 before opting to study at Stellenbosch University where he tasted FNB Varsity Cup glory with FNB Maties in 2018 and 2019.

His star continued to rise in 2018 as he made the trip to the World Rugby U20 Championship in France where he helped the Junior Springboks claim a bronze medal.

The following season would be the year that Erasmus was promoted to senior rugby as he made his Currie Cup debut off the bench against the Tafel Lager Griquas while also turning out for DHL Western Province in the SuperSport Rugby Challenge.

Erasmus thanked his former team for the memories while touching on his move North.

“I enjoyed my time in the Cape. Memories made and a few rugby goals of mine ticked off but I’m excited about something different and I believe Loftus is the place for the experience. I’m looking forward to getting stuck in with my new #BullsFamily as soon as possible.”

https://youtu.be/EgzkrmZQY18

 

Winter is here!

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Experienced forwards’ coach, Russell Winter, will join the Vodacom Bulls as one of Director of Rugby, Jake White’s, assistant coaches as the #BullsFamily continues to build an experienced and talent-laden player and management group.

Winter enjoyed a long and fruitful playing career as the 44-year-old former loose forward represented the Cats and Cell C Sharks in Vodacom Super Rugby and the Xerox Golden Lions in the Currie Cup and Vodacom Cup. His energetic and intelligent playing ability was complemented by his astute leadership as he captained the Cats and Xerox Golden Lions in the Vodacom Cup.

Nationally, he turned out for the Blitzboks at the Hong Kong Sevens and Commonwealth Games in 1998 while he toured Europe with South Africa A in 2001.

He also played for the Newcastle Falcons in the English Premiership before trading his boots for a coaching career.

Winter returned to the Xerox Golden Lions in 2011, where he coached the Vodacom Cup and U21 teams which included silverware in 2013 (Vodacom Cup) before moving to the Cape in 2016 as the forwards’ coach of the DHL Stormers and DHL Western Province.

Winter shares a remarkable relationship with White that spans over two decades with the latter being a major force in Winter’s decision to attend Jeppe High School for Boys. His move to Loftus Versfeld marks another relationship milestone with the duo sharing similar coaching philosophies.

Winter expressed his delight in joining the Vodacom Bulls and added that he is excited to implement his vision once rugby resumes following its suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The Bulls have always been a special team that have enjoyed success at the highest level. I’m excited to be part of this #BullsFamily that shares so many values that I hold dear. I look forward to doing everything in my power to assist in making the Vodacom Bulls a team that not only produces the results on the field, but also goes above and beyond in making our supporters proud.”

White stated that it will be special to have Winter as an assistant coach that sees their relationship come full circle after it began in the early 1990s.

“I watched Russell grow from strength to strength as a player and continued to watch him grow as a coach. We’ve spoken at length about his role within the #BullsFamily and he is eager to get started with the forwards as soon as we can train again.”

https://www.facebook.com/BullsOfficial/videos/1384402641947175/

Steenkamp signs with Vodacom Bulls

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The Vodacom Bulls confirm that lock Walt Steenkamp will join the team as of November 2020 after he signed a two-year deal with the #BullsFamily. The towering 24-year-old lock forward, who stands 2.03m at 121kg, had been gaining valuable experience in the Guinness PRO14 for the Toyota Cheetahs before opting to ply his trade in Pretoria.

Steenkamp made his mark in the FNB Varsity Cup in the colours of NWU-Pukke, where he made a valuable contribution in 2016 when the Potchefstroom-based university clinched the final against FNB Maties in overtime. In 2018, he was awarded the prestigious “Player that Rocks” award, before moving on to the Currie Cup First Division, where he made a massive impact for the Leopards.

The mobile yet imposing lock made the trip to Bloemfontein where he continued to impress for the Toyota Cheetahs especially on the heavier European fields. His arrival at Loftus Versfeld will most certainly benefit the second row as Director of Rugby, Jake White, continues attracting experience to Loftus Versfeld.

Steenkamp is looking forward to putting on the Bulls jersey, “ It’s a big step in my career, and there are certainly some big shoes to fill, but I look forward to putting on the Bulls jersey and making the Loftus faithful proud. I’m also excited about working with a coach like Jake, it is a great opportunity for me and I hope to grow from strength to strength under his leadership.”

Steenkamp is a soft-spoken and humble young man, with a rather dry sense of humour, but becomes a different animal when he crosses the white lines on to the playing field… similar to most other locks that have donned the Vodacom Bulls jersey

https://youtu.be/W2AyZlNW2xc    

Grobbelaar, Steenkamp and Uys recommit to Vodacom Bulls

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The exciting trio Johan Grobbelaar, Gerhard Steenekamp, and Muller Uys have recommitted their playing futures with the Vodacom Bulls as the franchise continues to build an electrifying squad under Director of Rugby, Jake White.

The young trio has already had a taste of Vodacom Super Rugby action this season before the COVID-19 pandemic put paid to competitive rugby. Their skillset and hunger for more only boost the Vodacom Bulls playing stocks as they continue to cut their teeth in the Southern Hemisphere’s premier rugby competition.

Grooming the next generation of youthful talent is a critical pillar in the success of any team, and is something that the #BullsFamily have taken immense pride in over the years.

Johan Grobbelaar established himself as a hooker for the Vodacom Bulls junior teams with the 22-year-old Junior Springbok equally adept on the side of the scrum. He made his Currie Cup debut in 2017 before earning a call up to Vodacom Super Rugby in 2018 with the dynamic hooker amassing 8 caps since.

Gerhard Steenekamp made his Vodacom Super Rugby debut off the bench against the DHL Stormers this season and is in the unique position to be the understudy of two Springbok props in Trevor Nyakane and Lizo Gqoboka. His powerful scrummaging ability is one of many skills as he has shown his immense mobility as a front-rower and ball skills that could rival a backline player.

Muller Uys stood up in last year’s SA Rugby U21 Championship as he led his team all the way to the final where they emphatically overthrew their DHL Western Province counterparts to lift the silverware. His prowess as a no.8 was rewarded this season as he made his starting Vodacom Super Rugby debut against the Highlanders, followed by another scintillating performance against the Reds before the team had their Australasian tour cut short due to the current pandemic.

https://youtu.be/G6FC_JjNjYU

 

 

Devastating ball-carrier Botha returns to Loftus

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The #BullsFamily teased fans with cryptic pieces of artwork on social media on Thursday, eluding to the return of a devastating hard-hitting ball carrier… ‘108KGs of solid gold heading to Loftus’.

The Vodacom Bulls are excited to announce that Arno Botha will return to Loftus Versfeld after an emphatic three-year display in Europe. The 29-year-old loose forward is set to join the team as of July 2020, if travel restrictions allow.

Botha, who captained the Junior Springboks in 2011, which saw him being awarded the SA Rugby U20 Player of the Year, made his first-class debut in the colours of the Vodacom Blue Bulls junior teams before making his Currie Cup debut in 2011.

His performances in South Africa’s premier domestic competition saw him earning a call up to the Vodacom Bulls where he produced glimpses of his devastating potential.

His rise within South African rugby continued as he made his Springbok debut in 2013 before a serious knee injury curtailed his international career. He also represented South Africa A against the English Saxons in 2016.

A short stint with London Irish in 2017 lined up his move to Munster in 2018 where he represented the Irish province with his explosive, barnstorming runs allowing him to become a regular fixture in the starting team.

Botha has proven himself to be a formidable opponent and worth his weight in gold on the field and his return to Loftus Versfeld will boost the loose forward stock.

Munster Rugby Head Coach Johann van Graan said, “Arno has been a great addition to the Munster squad and will be missed. I’ve no doubt the #BullsFamily are delighted to see him return to his home province as he is a quality signing.  We wish Arno all the best for the future and thank him for his time in red.”

Jake White, Director of Rugby at the Blue Bulls Company, is excited to have Botha back home, “Arno is a proud son of Loftus, and there is no doubt that the fans will be ecstatic to see him back. He started his rugby journey here and played all of his junior rugby in blue. There were big things expected from him from a young age, and he has now grown into a complete and well-balanced loosie. It’s no secret that we are in the process of building something very special at Loftus, and Arno is going to be a huge part of that.”

Botha is looking forward to his return, “As one door closes another one opens, and with this in mind, I just want to thank the Vodacom Bulls for the opportunity to be part of the #BullsFamily again, especially in this time. The Bulls have always and will always be a special part of my life and I’m looking forward to being back at Loftus. It is awesome to be heading home.”

 

https://youtu.be/wx63uvwZKoA