BullsFamily bid farewell to Zondag

The #BullsFamily bid farewell to Alan Zondagh, director of Rugby at the end of January. He stepped down due to personal reasons and to enjoy more quality time with the family. His current role will not be immediately filled. The responsibilities of the role will be shared between head coach Pote Human and CEO Alfons Meyer.

Zondagh was appointed at the BBCo in January 2019, with the core vision of restructuring the High-Performance department at the BBCo. He has been a true servant of the game on a global stage dedicating the last 40 years of his life to this beautiful game.

Starting in the early 80’s as director of coaching for the Western Province Rugby Union, he moved on to head coach of Eastern Province and then returned to the WP as head coach in the 90s. He later travelled abroad coaching the London Scottish, before assuming the role of Director of Rugby at Saracens between 1999 and 2000. He thereafter became the performance director at the Rugby Performance Center between 2005 and 2017. Zondagh then pursued his own consultancy for the next few years before accepting his role at Loftus.

Even though he will still be involved in assisting with rugby projects at the BBCo, he is looking forward to stepping back and taking some time to enjoy with his family.

“My time in rugby wasn’t about a career or job,” Zondagh stated, “it was truly a way of life for me. Once the #BullsFamily gets into your blood, you can never leave it behind, so as much as I look forward to enjoying a bit of relaxation, I’m also keen to get stuck into a few projects assisting the team.”

Alfons Meyer, CEO of the BBCo, heaped praise on Zondagh’s achievements at Loftus, “Alan is a true gentleman of the game, and we were privileged to have a man of his abilities to be part of our system. He has played a massive role in the stabilization of the organization and for that we are eternally grateful. We wish him all the best with the part that lies ahead.”

Steyn returns for Vodacom Super Rugby opener

The Vodacom Bulls have named a strong matchday squad for their Vodacom Super Rugby season opener against the Cell C Sharks at Jonsson Kings Park on Friday, 31 January 2020.

The team welcomes back flyhalf Morné Steyn who last played for the Pretoria outfit in 2013 and is the only three time Vodacom Super Rugby champion that remains within the South African circuit.

Steyn is joined by two 2019 Rugby World Cup winners in fullback Warrick Gelant and prop Trevor Nyakane.

They are joined by no.8 Josh Strauss, flank Jeandré Rudolph, lock Andries Ferreira and replacement loose forward Wian Vosloo who will be running out for their first cap for the Vodacom Bulls while replacement lock Ryno Pieterse will make his Vodacom Super Rugby debut off the bench.

The rest of the team includes four Springboks in scrumhalves Ivan van Zyl and Embrose Papier with Cornal Hendricks to flex his speed on the wing, with lock Juandré Kruger adding some grunt to the engine room

Vodacom Bulls head coach, Pote Human, has also opted to select the same 6/2 split between the forwards and backs on the bench as the Springboks did during their successful Rugby World Cup campaign last season.

“We have enjoyed a strong preseason with few injuries which has allowed us to select our strongest available team to take on a well-oiled Cell C Sharks outfit,” said Vodacom Bulls head coach, Pote Human.

History favours the visitors with the Vodacom Bulls securing eight wins and a draw in their last nine matches against the Durban team.

“We have a job to do in Durban and we are not taking it lightly. The Cell C Sharks have proved time and time again that they are a dangerous team if underestimated. We are going into the match with level heads and a battle plan in hand.”

Kick-off is 19h10.

Vodacom Bulls:

  1. Warrick Gelant, 14. Cornal Hendricks, 13. Johnny Kotze, 12. Burger Odendaal (C),
  2. Rosko Specman, 10. Morné Steyn, 9. Ivan van Zyl, 8. Josh Strauss, 7. Abongile Nonkontwana, 6. Jeandré Rudolph, 5. Juandré Kruger, 4. Andries Ferreira, 3. Wiehahn Herbst, 2. Jaco Visagie, 1. Lizo Gqoboka

Replacements:16. Johan Grobbelaar, 17. Simphiwe Matanzima, 18. Trevor Nyakane, 19. Ruan Nortje, 20. Ryno Pieterse, 21. Wian Vosloo, 22. Embrose Papier, 23. Manie Libbok

After World Cup, Brits is ready to make new memories

 

Schalk Brits is still revelling in the memory of the Springboks’ 2019 Rugby World Cup triumph. But it is a measure of Brits as a man that his most treasured memories have nothing to do with the William Webb Ellis Trophy. Instead, they involve a tent, a rugby field, and his three young boys.

As entries open for the 2020 Vodacom Father and Son Campout a day after Vodacom Super Rugby kicked off another “superpowered” season in partnership with Marvel at the Vodacom Super Hero Sunday extravaganza in Soweto, Brits was amongst the first to book his tent and a place in what has become the most sought-after experience for rugby-loving dads and their sons. Even if they’re Springboks.

“I experienced my first Vodacom Father and Son Camp Out last year and it was absolutely phenomenal,” says Brits as he looks forward to this year’s experience on the main field at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 March. This unique event is exclusive to Vodacom Red clients.

“I have three boys all under the age of 10, and they loved it. I also loved it because I always feel a team should never isolate its players from the fans, and at an event like this I wasn’t just a player but also a dad sharing special memories with other dads. It’s an unbelievable experience.

“It’s not only a memory for the boys, but for me as well. We all know time is short. When you lie on your deathbed, you won’t remember what you achieved, but who you achieved it with. Those memories are what’s important to me.”

Brits returns to Loftus Versfeld as very much a “normal” dad having retired from rugby after the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.

The theme for this year’s campout is #BeAPresentDad, and it’s something Brits can certainly relate to.

“I will always be thankful for my dad running with me at 5am so I could stay fit for rugby. He’d pull on the tekkies and do the run with me, and then he’d go to work. It’s a choice to be a dad, and making the time to be with my boys is precious to me.”

To register for the Vodacom Father and Son Campout brought to you by Vodacom ONE Family, visit www.redrewards.co.za.

 

Vodacom #SuperHeroSunday: #Bullsfamily balanced and exciting team

The Vodacom Bulls have announced their matchday team for #SuperHeroSunday that includes a World Champion, Blitzboks, Vodacom Super Rugby stalwarts and several youthful players who will front up against the Emirates Lions at the FNB Stadium on Sunday, 19 January 2020.

Veteran Springbok flyhalf Morné Steyn will face South African opposition for the first time in seven seasons and will lead a backline that consists of three Springboks and a Blitzbok, in Warrick Gelant, Cornal Hendricks, Ivan van Zyl and Rosko Specman.

The forwards also boast international experience with Scottish capped no.8 Josh Strauss controlling the back of the scrum and Springbok lock Juandré Kruger powering the engine room.

The bench is also loaded with international quality such as Embrose Papier, Dylan Sage and Tim Agaba. Fans can also expect the unleashing of a few exciting and hungry youngsters like loose forward Muller Uys starting in the seven jersey, and Chris Smith together with Ryno Pieterse making an impact of the bench.

Kick-off is 15h15.

Vodacom Bulls: 15. Warrick Gelant, 14. Johnny Kotze, 13. Cornal Hendricks, 12. Burger Odendaal (C), 11. Rosko Specman, 10. Morné Steyn, 9. Ivan van Zyl, 8. Josh Strauss, 7. Muller Uys, 6. Wian Vosloo, 5. Juandré Kruger, 4. Andries Ferreira, 3. Wiehahn Herbst, 2. Jaco Visagie, 1. Simphiwe Matanzima.

Replacements: 16. Johan Grobbelaar, 17. Gerhard Steenekamp, 18. Mornay Smith, 19. Ryno Pieterse, 20. Ruan Nortje/Jean Droste, 21. Embrose Papier, 22. Chris Smith, 23. Divan Rossouw, 24. Dylan Sage, 25. Manie Libbok, 26. Jeandré Rudolph, 27. Abongile Nonkontwana, 28. Tim Agaba.

Vodacom Blue Bulls XV to test depth against Emirates Lions

The Vodacom Blue Bulls XV will face a Emirates Lions in preseason warm-up match on Loftus B field on Friday, 17 January 2020.

Kick-off is 14:00.

Vodacom Blue Bulls XV: 15. Richard Kriel, 14. Jade Stighling, 13. Marnus Potgieter,12. Franco Naude, 11. Sebastiaan Jobb, 10. David Coetzer, 9. Marco Jansen van Vuren, 8. Ewan Coetzee, 7. Adre Smith, 6. Ruan Steenkamp (C), 5. Jean Droste, 4. Ian Groenewald, 3. Madot Mabokela, 2. Louis van der Westhuizen, 1. Dayan van der Westhuizen.

Replacements: 16. Corniel Els, 17. Kudzwai Dube, 18. Eduan Swart, 19. Carl Els, 20. Janko Swanepoel, 21. Jaco Labuschangne, 22. Phillip Potgieter, 23. Keagan Johannes, 24. Vaughen Isaacs, 25. Dawid Kellerman, 26. Diego Appollis, 27. Jay-Cee Nel.

 

Vodacom Bulls eager to stretch legs against FNB UP-Tuks

The Vodacom Bulls have returned from their festive season break with renewed spirits as they put the finishing touches on their preparation for the 2020 Vodacom Super Rugby season.

They will face three-time FNB Varsity Cup champions, FNB UP-Tuks, in two warm-up matches on Saturday, 11 January at the Tuks Stadium.

The Vodacom Bulls will split their extended squad across the two matches as they aim to shake off the rust and shed a few kilos of festive indulgence before the action begins against the Cell C Sharks in Round 1 on Friday, 31 January.

Kick-off is 09:00 and 11:00.

Vodacom Bulls (warm-up match 1): 15. Warrick Gelant, 14. Cornal Hendricks, 13. Johnny Kotze, 12. Burger Odendaal (C), 11. Rosko Specman, 10. Chris Smith, 9. Embrose Papier, 8. Muller Uys, 7. Wian Vosloo, 6. Marco van Staden, 5. Jaundrè Kruger, 4. Andries Ferreira, 3. Wiehahn Herbst, 2. Johan Grobbelaar, 1. Simphiwe Matanzima.

 

Replacements: 16. Louis van der Westhuizen, 17. Dayan van der Westhuizen, 18. Ian Groenewald, 19. Marius Verwey, 20. Jean Droste, 21. David Coetzer, 22. Dawid Kellerman, 23. Diego Appolis, 24. Tim Agaba.

Vodacom Bulls (warm-up match 2): 15. Richard Kriel, 14. Jade Stighling, 13. Marnus Potgieter, 12. Dylan Sage, 11. Divan Rossouw, 10. Manie Libbok, 9. Ivan van Zyl, 8. Josh Strauss, 7. Abongile Nonkontwana, 6. Jeandre Rudolph, 5. Ruan Nortje, 4. Ryno Pieterse, 3. Mornay Smith, 2. Jaco Visagie, 1. Gerhard Steenekamp.

Replacements: 16. Corniel Els, 17. Madot Mabokela, 18. Adre Smith, 19. Ewan Coetzee, 20. Marco Jansen van Vuren, 21. Morne Steyn, 22. Jay-Cee Nel, 23. Franco Naude, 24. Vaughen Isaacs.

Transport and safety get top priority ahead of Vodacom Super Hero Sunday

Johannesburg, December 12 – An integrated security and transport plan will be in place for Vodacom Super Hero Sunday at FNB Stadium on January 19.

In confirming its plans yesterday, Stadium Management South Africa, which manages the stadium precinct, announced that a multi-faceted security system would be in place, designed to ensure safety for upwards of 80 000 rugby supporters.

“Our plans are very similar to what was in place for the recent Ed Sheeran concerts,” explained Bertie Grobbelaar, managing director of SMSA. “We had a safety and security and transport and traffic management plan that was efficiently carried out for just over 125 000 people over the two days with very positive feedback from concert attendees and this has informed our plans for this event.”

The public transport plan for Vodacom Super Hero Sunday incorporates various options for match day fans and starts operating at 9am on match day.

1. Self-drive and general parking at no charge.

  • Secure parking at no charge in dedicated parking areas.  All the parking areas will be clearly marked and manned by security staff.
  • Dedicated gas braai areas have also been identified in these parking areas.

2. Park and Ride

  • Park and ride from Menlyn Park, Emperors Palace and Mall of Africa.  Tickets are available from Computicket for R150 return.
  • Buses will travel in dedicated bus lanes moving easily through traffic and collect and drop passengers at the transport hub, 650m from the stadium.

3. Gautrain buses

  • Gautrain service with shuttle buses from Park Station.  Buses will travel in dedicated lanes and drop passengers at the transport hub, 650m from the stadium.

4. Zeelo

  • Dedicated area has been identified for personalised bus service Zeelo.  Tickets available at Computicket –  R200 per adult and R175 per child (under 12) return.

5. E-hailing Service

  • A dedicated and secure drop off and collection point with safe walkway to the stadium

For further information and times please visit www.stadiummanagement.co.zaand their social media pages.

Planning of this event is subject to the provisions of the Safety at Sport and Recreational Event Act and governed by the Event Safety and Security Planning Committee, comprising various role-players, inclusive of SAPS, JMPD, Medical and Emergency service and private security and parking management.

This committee is chaired by a senior SAPS officer appointed by the National Commissioner of Police.

All event related operational plans are scrutinised and approved by this committee with the responsibility to oversee execution on event day.

Interest is already high around the new-year event that sees the DHL Stormers play the Cell C Sharks and the Emirates Lions play the Vodacom Bulls. Matches kick off at 1pm and 3.15pm respectively, ensuring that fans will be home before sunset.

This follows the success of the debut event in Cape Town last year.

“We are planning for a fun family event,” said Grobbelaar. “The normal concerns around parking and security will be taken care of and we anticipate a historic and memorable rugby day.”

Tickets are on sale at Computicket at R60 each or R200 for four.

Blue Bulls Company honours outstanding performances at 2019 awards

The Blue Bulls Company held their 2019 awards ceremony at the vibrant Altitude roof top Bar in Menlyn on Tuesday, 3 December 2019.

The event, which focused on fun and unwinding after another season of hard hitting rugby, was attended by sponsors, stakeholders, management, players and their respective family and friends. World Cup winning flyhalf Handrè Pollard walked away as the BBCo’s Player of the Year with fellow World champion, Duane Vermuelen, claiming the Vodacom Super Rugby Player of the Year award.

The Currie Cup and SuperSport Challenge Player of the Year awards were snapped up by Tim Agaba and Ruan Nortje respectively while Muller Uys and Richard Kriel were awarded the U21 and U19 Player of the Year. The ceremony was also used to name the 2020 Vodacom Super Rugby leadership with Burger Odendaal being named as captain and Trevor Nyakane his deputy.

The Blue Bulls Company would like to congratulate all the award winners while wishing everyone a safe and enjoyable festive season.

U19 Player of the Year: Richard Kriel

U21 Forward of the Year: Hanru Sirgel

U21 Back of the Year: Wian van Niekerk

U21 Player of the Year: Muller Uys

SuperSport Challenge Player of the Year: Ruan Nortje

Currie Cup Player of the Year: Tim Agaba

VSR Forward of the Year: Trevor Nyakane

VSR Back of the Year: Burger Odendaal

VSR Player of the Year: Duane Vermeulen

BBCo Employee of the Year: Collen Khoza

PUMA Forever Faster Award: Cornal Hendricks

ISUZU Award: Lizo Gqoboka

AFGRI Award: Simphiwe Matanzima

BBCo Player of the Year: Handrè Pollard

PUMA AND VODACOM BULLS GIVE IT HORNS IN 2020

Cape Town, South Africa, November 2019 – Official technical partner PUMA has launched the 2020 kit for the Vodacom Bulls and Blue Bulls, which will be worn for both the Vodacom Super Rugby and Currie Cup seasons. The new #GiveItHorns jersey features a repeating pattern of bull heads with interlocking horns in a contrasting shade of blue.

“Vodacom Bulls fans have passed down their love for the team to their children and their children’s children. It’s more than supporting a team – it’s supporting a legacy. This connection is mirrored in the pattern on the shirts – bull horns interlocking to represent how generations of supporters are connected through their shared passion, dedication and love for their team,” said PUMA South Africa Marketing Director Brett Bellinger.

“South African rugby is riding a wave of success and we look forward to seeing World Champion warrior Trevor Nyakane and next generation players Marco van Staden, Lizo Gqoboka and Simphiwe Matanzima giving it horns in the new Vodacom Bulls kit this season.”

Blue Bulls Company CEO Alfons Meyer said: “PUMA have again raised the bar with a design that encompasses what the #BullsFamily is all about. It speaks to our old and new fans, as well as across age groups. We are also excited by our new combined logo, which showcases both the Barberton Daisy and the horns that have defined the Vodacom Bulls in the professional era. This will proudly be displayed on the left chest of the jersey, and will make a bold statement about a team that has been built on a strong heritage, while striving forward and remaining a trend-setter in the industry.”

The #GiveItHorns jersey sits alongside the Marvel Captain America jersey that will be used for local Derby matches. It drops in PUMA stores, Totalsports, The Cross Trainer, Sportsmans Warehouse and selected retailers on 29 November 2019 for R799.

#GiveItHorns #BullsFamily

 Media Contact:

Brett Bellinger – Marketing Director, PUMA South Africa – brett.bellinger@puma.com

Doug Carew – Splash PR – doug@splashpr.co.za

Vodacom Bulls latest signing… Patrice Motsepe

The Blue Bulls Company is excited to welcome our new shareholder Patrice Motsepe to the #BullsFamily.

The much talked about and anticipated deal was unanimously concluded on Thursday evening at a meeting held at Loftus Versfeld.

The new structure will mean that existing shareholders Remgro and the Blue Bulls Rugby Union (BBRU) reduce their previously equal percentage of shareholding from 50% each to 37% and 26% respectively, allowing Motsepe to buy in owning the remaining 37%.

President of the BBRU, Willem Strauss expressed his delight with the new signing: “We put a lot of effort into making this possible over the last few months, and I am proud to say that all the union committee members unanimously voted in favor of the deal. I firmly believe that private investors will add immense value to our beautiful game going forward. The benefits of this deal is not only to the BBCo at the professional level, it will also make a positive impact on our amateur rugby, at schools, clubs and development levels. We are privileged and excited to have partners like Mr Motsepe in our corner”

Motsepe is undoubtedly a visionary in the business world and has often been quoted as saying, “If we continue doing the right things in Africa, we can create a very exciting and competitive global market here”. Among his many business ventures, he is also the owner of African soccer giants Mamelodi Sundowns, a team that also enjoys Loftus Versfeld as their home ground.

Alfons Meyer, CEO of the BBCo is looking forward to the synergies that the new partnership brings: “This is a brilliant deal, not only for us at the BBCo, but also for our communities and the sport industry in general. I look forward to a host of synergies and opportunities that will be forged between us. With Mr Motsepe also owning soccer giants Mamelodi Sundowns, there is no doubt that a relationship like this will further enhance and entrench our vision to make Tshwane the sporting capital.”

#BullsFamily 2020 Season Ticket… FULLY LOADED

2019 was an emotional roller-coaster for Bulls fans, with some amazing memories and achievements. Finishing the best of all local teams in the Vodacom Super Rugby tournament, and powering into the playoffs giving the hosting Hurricanes an absolute run for their money, certainly makes this a season to remember. We also recorded our best touring results since 2007, without losing a game while in New Zealand during the round games. Closer to home, we also racked up our biggest win since 2004 over the DHL Stormers, and also our first victory against the Emirates Lions at Ellis Park since 2012.

A few other highlights would have to be: having the best lineout in the competition, Handré Pollard finishing as top point scorer in the competition, while Trevor Nyakane and Lizo Gqoboka were undoubtedly the most consistent props in the comp. Your #BullsFamily also produced 12 Springboks and two Bok captains this year, many of whom are still currently representing South Africa with distinction at the at the Rugby World Cup.

Your #BullsFamily would like to once again invite you to join us as we embark on another epic journey as we push forward into a new chapter. We urge you to renew or buy your season ticket for 2020 and walk this memorable path with us.

The benefits of owning a season ticket are split into six easy parts: The rugby action, insane monthly prizes, customised gifts, VIP events, our biggest voucher offering ever, and an exclusive communications system via direct WhatsApp … all at an amazing discounted price.

Your 2020 Season ticket is fully loaded, packed with more added value than ever before:

RUGBY

  • Eight (8) Vodacom Super Rugby matches, plus a potential SEMI, and FINAL
  • All the Currie Cup home action, including a possible SEMI and FINAL
  • SuperSport Rugby Challenge
  • An all new format for Junior rugby

 PRIZES

Stand a chance to win a trip to Durban to watch the opening round match between the Cell C Sharks and the Vodacom Bulls.

PRIZES MONTHLY: Cell phones, beer for the month, player jersey, four cases water, upgrade to suite, dinner vouchers, golf 4-balls, PVM hamper, Neolife hamper, Tsogo accommodation, Comair tickets, Fleishery meat vouchers, big data vouchers, Puma items, party in Castle Corner … and a few more.

GIFT

  • Platinum Season ticket holders receive a 2020 Vodacom Super Rugby jersey
  • Custom-branded back floppy hat showing off the combined #BullsFamily 2020 logo, included the Daisy and the horns.

EXCLUSIVE VIP EVENTS

Invites to exclusive events with players and the team including: Captains runs, fan parks and a host of other events.

VOUCHERS

  • Vodacom data or fiber deal
  • 20% once off discount at any Puma retail store
  • 20% off VODE water purchased directly from VODE
  • 20% off all PVM products purchased directly from PVM
  • 10 % off your bill at Zappas Loftus (excludes specials)
  • 10% off at Turn and Tender, Loftus Park
  • 10 % off at Salsa Loftus
  • 10% off at Vovo Telo
  • Exclusive rates at Comair
  • 20% off Intercape Bus tickets,
  • 10% off all salon treatments at EVA beauty salon at Loftus Park (excludes aesthetic treatments performed by our Dr. and retail products.)
  • More to be announced shortly

COMMUNICATION (WhatsApp)

An exclusive communication channel between the brand and the season ticket holder. This system will be run via a dedicated WhatsApp line. It will include: breaking news, birthday messages, voice notes from players, specials, reminders, and even score updates.

Packages and payments       

PACKAGES PAYMENT EARLY BIRD 10% * 3 MONTHS
Platinum R4000 R3600 R1400 per month (R4200)
Gold R2100 R1890 R770 per month (R2310)
Silver R1200 R1080 R440 per month (R1320)
Scholar R240 R216 N/A

This is more than a season ticket … it’s your invite to being part of the inner circle at Loftus.

  •   *Renew and pay before 30 December 2019 and receive an early bird discount of 10% off
  • For more information visit www.thebulls.co.za or call 012 420 0700.