Vodacom #SuperHeroSunday: #Bullsfamily balanced and exciting team

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

 

All roads lead to the final for Vodacom Blue Bulls U21

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The Vodacom Blue Bulls U21 have wrapped up their preparations for the SA Rugby U21 Championship final against DHL Western Province U21 at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein on Saturday, 7 September 2019.

There is only one change to the starting team that narrowly beat the Cell C Sharks U21 in the semi-final last week with Marnus Potgieter recovering from his training injury to resume his role as outside centre.

Sango Xamlashe drops to the bench and is joined by flyhalf Vaughen Isaacs, who made his Currie Cup debut against the Cell C Sharks two weeks ago.

Kick-off is 13:45 and will be televised live on Super Sport 1.

Vodacom Blue Bulls U21: 15. Richard Kriel, 14. Gershwin Mouton, 13. Marnus Potgieter, 12. Wian van Niekerk, 11. Sebastiaan Jobb, 10. Theo Boshoff, 9. Keagan Johannes, 8. Muller Uys (C), 7. Hanru Sirgel, 6. Stephan Smit, 5. Ruan Nortje, 4. Ryno Pieterse, 3. Mornay Smith, 2. Werner Fourie, 1. Kudzwai Dube.

Replacements: 16. Llewellyn Classen, 17. Etienne Janeke, 18. Carl Els, 19. Ewart Potgieter, 20. Johan Mulder, 21. Vaughen Isaacs, 22. Sango Xamlashe, 23. Cabous Eloff.

Vodacom Blue Bulls U21 loaded for semi-final match against Cell C Sharks U21

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The Vodacom Blue Bulls U21s have been named for their SA Rugby U21 Championship semi-final match against the Cell C Sharks U21s at Loftus Versfeld on Friday, 30 August 2019.

Head coach, Nollis Marais kept the changes to a minimum with a change in the midfield as Wian van Niekerk replaces Jay-Cee Nel at inside centre.

Marnus Potgieter was set to don the outside centre jersey but dislocated his finger during training which allows Sango Xamlashe an opportunity.

Amongst the forwards, another lock partnership will start as both Ruan Nortje and Ryno Pieterse return to the fold while Mornay Smith and Werner Fourie are the front row changes.

The new faces on the bench are Llewellyn Classen, Carl Els, Ewart Potgieter, Cabous Eloff, Lionel April and Dawid Kellerman.

Kick-off is 13:00 and the public are encouraged to come down to support the juniors with entrance to the match being free of charge.

Vodacom Blue Bulls U21: 15. Richard Kriel, 14. Gershwin Mouton, 13. Sango Xamlashe, 12. Wian van Niekerk, 11. Sebastiaan Jobb, 10. Theo Boshoff, 9. Keagan Johannes, 8. Muller Uys (C), 7. Hanru Sirgel, 6. Stephan Smit, 5. Ruan Nortje, 4. Ryno Pieterse, 3. Mornay Smith, 2. Werner Fourie, 1. Kudzwai Dube.

Replacements: 16. Llewellyn Classen, 17. Etienne Janeke, 18. Carl Els, 19. Ewart Potgieter, 20. Johan Mulder, 21. Lionel April, 22. Dawid Kellerman, 23. Cabous Eloff.

 

Tshwane 10s: Bigger and better with the Vodacom Bulls

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Pretoria’s greatest sports festival, the Tshwane 10s will be bigger and better than ever before come 27 & 28 September 2019. The festival will take place on the Loftus Versfeld grounds, home of the Vodacom Bulls, from 07h30 – 23h30 on both days.

“We wish the Bulls Family a warm welcome to the Tshwane 10s – we know that all of our 100 plus teams will find it a huge honour to take to your grounds, compete under your brand and will fully embrace the sportsmanship and pride that is synonymous with the Vodacom Bulls,” says Tshwane 10s Festival Director, Gerhardi Odendaal.

In addition to the 50 plus rugby teams expected to enter, all of which will play on the Loftus Versfeld pitch, the festival will once again host teams from the sporting codes of netball, dodgeball, hockey and soccer. Friends, family and fans from far and wide are encouraged to enter their teams or book their general tickets which are inclusive of a fan park and beer tent.

Blue Bulls CEO Alfons Meyer believes that this event will go a long way in both welcoming new audiences to the Vodacom Bulls precinct as well as rewarding the old faithful with a game on the Loftus grounds come Tshwane 10s rugby. “I did not hesitate at this relationship opportunity as we constantly strive towards innovative ideas to reach new audiences whilst remaining true to who we are as an iconic sporting brand. In addition to our inaugural hosting of the Tshwane 10s, we’ll witness our first time of hosting a netball tournament at our professional rugby stadium. We open our arms to all and look forward to seeing some cracking action come end of September.”

The festival will be full of familiar faces most particularly for rugby lovers with the VIP Oakheart Invitational Team being the key one to watch consisting of Bakkies Botha;  Gareth “SoldierBoy” McLellan; Jacques Burger; Ethienne Reynecke; Edrich Linde: Jacques Muller;  Jonathan Mokuena;  Nico Luus;  Riaan Erwee;  Christiaan Snyman;  Joe van der Berg and Sam Gerber.

Tickets are now available online (Quicket), as well as at the gates on game days, with kids under 12 free. An added key highlight will be the Q&A session with Tshwane 10s ambassador Bakkies Botha and former Namibia captain Jacques Burger, which will take place before the 11h45 SA vs Namibia kickoff on Saturday 28 September.

National icon Bakkies Botha thrives on the festival year on year. “It’s a particular highlight of mine as we see over 100 sporting teams try their hand at their chosen sport. We give it all we’ve got whilst out at play, but post that final whistle we’re mates that’ll share the Loftus sunshine, beers and laughter; celebrating all that is good about life and South Africa. I personally look forward to meeting new people, playing the game I love and taking to the Loftus ground once again after countless years and many memories.”

Event details for the Tshwane 10s:

Venue: Loftus Versfeld and surrounding fields.

Date: 27 & 28 September 2019. 07h30 – 23h30 on both days.

Team entries: https://tshwane.10s.co.za/team-entries/

Sports: Dodgeball, Netball, Rugby, Hockey, Soccer