Powerful Vodacom Bulls team named for Rainbow Cup opener

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The Vodacom Bulls welcome back a wealth of experience as Director of Rugby Jake White named his matchday squad to battle the Emirates Lions at Loftus Versfeld on 1 May 2021.

The backs are headlined by new recruit James Verity-Amm who gets his first opportunity in the #TrueToTheBlue jersey at fullback while Madosh Tambwe and Stravino Jacobs will do duty on the wings.

Marco Jansen van Vuren links up with Springbok Cornal Hendricks in the midfield with Chris Smith entrusted with organising the backline at flyhalf alongside Springbok scrumhalf Embrose Papier.

Nizaam Carr continues as captain in the absence of fellow Springbok Duane Vermeulen while the flank duo of Elrigh Louw and Marco van Staden will undoubtedly cause havoc for their Jukskei neighbours.

The front row is one of raw talent as Mornay Smith and Gerhard Steenekamp will prop up hooker Johan Grobbelaar.

The replacement bench is not short of experience either as Springbok prop Lizo Gqoboka and the Policeman, Jacques van Rooyen, will bring fresh legs to the forward pack alongside lock Walt Steenkamp and Springbok loose forward Arno Botha.

“We have continued to test combinations as knowing this assists in us in getting the best out of every individual and I’m looking forward to watching them gel together on Saturday against a formidable Lions’ outfit,” said White.

Kick-off is scheduled for 19:00 with the match being televised live on SuperSport.

Vodacom Bulls: 15. James Verity-Amm (Pretoria), 14. Madosh Tambwe (Pretoria), 13. Marco Jansen van Vuren (Pretoria), 12. Cornal Hendricks (Northam), 11. Stravino Jacobs (Harlequins), 10. Chris Smith (Harlequins), 9. Embrose Papier (Tukkies), 8. Nizaam Carr (Centurion), 7. Elrigh Louw (Tukkies), 6. Marco van Staden (Pretoria), 5. Ruan Nortje (Naka Bulle), 4. Janko Swanepoel (Pretoria), 3. Mornay Smith (Centurion), 2. Johan Grobbelaar (Tukkies), 1. Gerhard Steenekamp (Harlequins).

 

Replacements: 16. Joe van Zyl (Harlequins), 17. Lizo Gqoboka (Naka Bulle), 18. Jacques van Rooyen (Tuine), 19. Walt Steenkamp (Centurion), 20. Arno Botha (Naka Bulle), 21. Zak Burger (Tuine), 22. Morné Steyn (Tuine), 23. David Kriel, 24. Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 25. Reinhardt Ludwig, 26. Tim Agaba (Tukkies), 27. Diego Appollis (Naka Bulle).

A tribute to the day the men in blue shook the rugby world | Historic jersey now on sale

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On 7 June 1997, 15 men pulled on a light blue jersey with a daisy over their hearts, ran onto the grass of Loftus Versfeld, and pushed back the might of northern hemisphere rugby on a day the British and Irish Lions have never forgotten.

For the first and only time, the mighty British and Irish Lions were beaten by a provincial rugby team. But the truth is that those 15 men in blue that day will be the first to tell you that the Vodacom Bulls is no ordinary provincial rugby team.

In honour of that 35-30 victory, the Vodacom Bulls have launched a new version of the jersey worn that day. It’s the same light blue colour that is as synonymous with a sports team as the red kit of Manchester United or the iconic white vest of the Chicago Bulls. And this piece of sporting history is being made available by Vodacom for #TrueToTheBlue fans to purchase exclusively through the Vodacom Bulls App from 25 April, for a reduced price of R650.

It’s a decision by Vodacom that has brought a smile to the face of Casper Steyn, who 24 years later is still stopped in the street and asked, “Aren’t you that man?”

Martin Johnson’s British and Irish Lions certainly remember “that man” well. It was Steyn, the left wing and goalkicker for the Vodacom Bulls that day, who led the dismantling of a red machine that was expecting to sweep all before it on the rugby fields of South Africa. Until they arrived at Loftus.

“In the changeroom before that match, we were reminded by our coaching staff exactly who we were playing that afternoon,” recalls Steyn, who that day scored 20 of his team’s 35 points with a try, three conversions and three penalties.

“These were great players you had read about, and now you were playing against them. Staring them in the face. I mean, here was Tony Underwood who plays for England, and here I am running out against him at Loftus. For a lot of us in the Bulls team that day, it was a great honour. And it felt quite surreal. Last week you’re playing a Currie Cup game, and then suddenly this week you’re playing the British and Irish Lions.”

Steyn says that at the core of everything they hoped to achieve that afternoon was the famous blue jersey they wore.

“I was nervous as hell. I was the rookie on the team that day compared to some of my more experienced teammates. You don’t know what’s going to happen when you run out onto that field. But we all wanted to give a good performance. As individuals, and as a team. We wanted to keep the Bulls name high. You grew up loving that blue jersey and wanting to wear it. I remember in 1991 how as a 17-year-old I went with my dad to watch the Bulls play Transvaal. And it was at that match that I told my dad, ‘I want to play for this team.

“And then when I did get the chance, my first match was against the Lions at Ellis Park. I remember the build-up. Here were Springbok legends such as Reuben Kruger, Joost van der Westhuizen and Krynauw Otto, and when we pulled on the blue jersey they were my teammates. That was unbelievable for me. You’re on the bus to the game and you are one of them because of that blue jersey.

“That jersey will always stand out for me, and the loyalty it inspired. You played rugby just to be able to wear that blue jersey. To me, it literally felt like you played for that blue jersey and what it represented. As a team, you took your knocks in that blue jersey, and you fought your battles in it. You wanted to be better in that jersey, and to not let your teammates down. I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything in the world.”

Years later, and the current generation of Vodacom Bulls stars feel the same.

When wing Cornal Hendricks was given his first exclusive look of the new Vodacom Bulls jersey, he knew exactly what it represented even though he was only a teenager when Steyn and the Bulls dismantled the British and Irish Lions.

“This jersey goes back a long way. The colour reminds us all about the teams before us and the players who wore this before us. It feels great to represent this proud union in this traditional jersey. I think the former Bulls players will really feel a lot of pride as well, and it will bring back a lot of memories for them.”

Memories of a Saturday in June. At a stadium in Kirkness Street, Pretoria. And of a day when 15 men pulled on a light blue jersey and held back a rugby empire.

Goosen joins #BullsFamily

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The Blue Bulls Company is delighted to confirm, our worst kept secret yet ????, the signing of Springbok utility back Johan Goosen.

The 28-year-old flyhalf, who can hold his own at centre and fullback, is a product of Grey College in Bloemfontein and it was in the City of Roses where he began his professional career, representing the Toyota Free State Cheetahs, Toyota Cheetahs, and the Emerging Cheetahs.

Goosen is a talented attacking flyhalf with a powerful boot and natural instinct with these attributes earning him call-ups to the Junior Springboks (2011), the Springbok XV (2014), and the Springboks shortly thereafter.

Goosen has sharpened his trade in France over the last several seasons, turning out for Racing Metro and Montpellier before being lured back to South Africa. He will link up with the Vodacom Bulls on 1 July 2021.

“We are definitely excited for Johan’s eminent arrival in Pretoria and look forward to his contribution. He has consistently performed at the highest level since his early days and his experience will bode well for our younger backs while providing us with attacking opportunities when he takes the field,” said Vodacom Bulls Director of Rugby, Jake White.

“I’m excited to be returning to my homeland and representing the Vodacom Bulls who are rising in strength day by day. Rugby in Pretoria has an exciting future and I’m grateful to be part of it,” said Goosen.

 

Du Plessis returns to Loftus

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The Blue Bulls Company is delighted to announce the signing of loose forward Jacques du Plessis from French club, Montpellier, effective 1 July 2021 on a three-year deal.

The 27-year-old Du Plessis, affectionately known as “Sheep”, started his professional career at Loftus Versfeld where he made his Vodacom Super Rugby (31 caps), Currie Cup (30 caps), and Vodacom Cup debuts in 2013, after representing the Vodacom Blue Bulls at U19 and U21 levels.

The former Junior Springbok and SA Schools’ flank, who slots in at lock with ease, moved to Montpellier at the end of 2015 where he went on to earn more than 100 caps for the French Top 14 club.

Du Plessis was renowned for his uncompromising play and ferocious tackling while at Loftus Versfeld and cemented his style of play while in France.

“Having Jacques return to Loftus is testament to what we’re trying to establish in Pretoria… a franchise where players want to be! His ability to play as a loose forward and lock gives us depth amongst the forwards. Jacques is an extremely physical and uncompromising player, and we’re looking forward to his contributions in the #TrueToTheBlue jersey,” said Vodacom Bulls Director of Rugby, Jake White.

Verity-Amm joins the #BullsFamily

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The Blue Bulls Company is delighted to announce the signing of utility back James Verity-Amm who joins the Vodacom Bulls from the Tafel Lager Griquas effective immediately.

Verity-Amm (26) attended Hottentots Holland High School in the Western Cape where he represented DHL Western Province at junior level and FNB UWC in the FNB Varsity Shield.

In 2016, he made the long trip to Australia where he linked up with the Future Force Academy in Perth. It didn’t take long before the man with an affinity in finding the try line got his opportunity with Western Force where he made his starting debut against the Emirates Lions in 2017’s Vodacom Super Rugby.

The deadly attacking threat has kept South African teams on their toes since returning from a short stint with the Brumbies, where he continuously kept opposition defences honest during the 2020 Vodacom Super Rugby Unlocked and 2021 Carling Currie Cup campaigns for the Peacock Blues. Fans will also remember the amazing brace he scored against the Vodacom Bulls at Loftus late last year in the Unlocked tournament.

“James is a talented player who is rock solid on both attack and defence. His acquisition will only strengthen our backs and we are looking forward to adding a player of his ability to our roster,” said Vodacom Bulls Director of Rugby, Jake White.

BIG ‘Giraffe’ Dlamini joins the #BullsFamily

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The Blue Bulls Company is delighted to announce the signing of front row powerhouse Mheli Dlamini, from KZN based Crusaders Rugby Club in Durban North.

 

Affectionately known as Giraffe, the tighthead prop enjoyed a stint with the Down Touch Griffins in the Carling Currie Cup First Division before moving to the KZN club scene where he represented the Balito Dolphins before linking up with Crusaders Durban North.

 

The soft spoken gentle giant stands at 1.89m tall and makes a few of his fellow props look smaller than they actually are. On the field, he is known for his uncompromising defence and despite his behemoth size, is mobile around the park.

 

“Mheli is an example of those rugby gems who’ve taken the road less travelled. His playing ability fits what we’re looking for at the Vodacom Bulls and he will learn a lot under the tutelage of our numerous Springbok front rowers. We are looking forward to what he brings to the table,” said Vodacom Bulls Director of Rugby, Jake White.

PRO14 Rainbow Cup kick-off confirmed

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The Vodacom Bulls, Emirates Lions, Cell C Sharks and DHL Stormers’ first foray into Europe has been confirmed with the news that the PRO14 Rainbow Cup will kick-off on the weekend of 24 April, with fixtures for the first three rounds now established.

Three weekends of derby action will be followed by cross-hemisphere fixtures where the existing Guinness PRO14 teams will face SA’s ‘Super’ teams for the very first time.

The schedule has been designed to limit travel where possible with the opening three rounds accounting for derby fixtures across Ireland, Italy, Scotland, South Africa and Wales.

Rounds 4 to 6 will see the four South African teams play their away games in Europe and those fixtures will be confirmed once all appropriate travel approvals have been confirmed by the relevant authorities and governments. The format means that no teams from Europe will travel to South Africa for Rainbow Cup games because of prevailing COVID-19 conditions.

“This is exciting news for the four franchises that will move into Europe and I’m sure they will be eager to get the ball rolling in terms of preparing to face a whole new set of opponents,” said Jurie Roux, CEO of SA Rugby.

“We’ve seen the quality of rugby produced in the Guinness PRO14 this season, under difficult circumstances, and it will be great for our sides to test their mettle against some of the best club sides in the world, bringing with them new challenges.

“It’s disappointing that the teams from Europe won’t be able to come to South Africa yet, but there is a bigger picture in play and it will be good to get the ball rolling with the Rainbow Cup. Plans are being made for our teams’ away games later in the series.

“While the excitement is palpable, it’s also paramount to remember that we are living in extraordinary times and that forces outside our control can still put a damper on the plans, but we will cross that bridge should the need arise and we are working tirelessly with all relevant stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition into Europe for our teams.”

The PRO14 Rainbow Cup fixtures will be a foretaste of the rivalries to come later in the year when it is expected a significant number of players from the Welsh, Irish and Scottish clubs will be part of the British & Irish Lions touring party to take on the Springboks in South Africa.

The PRO14 Rainbow Cup will feature a total of six rounds (eight games per round) and will feature all teams ranked in a single log. The top two teams will then play each other in the PRO14 Rainbow Cup Final on 19 June.

David Jordan, Tournament Director, PRO14 Rugby said: “Everyone is glad that we can now put some certainty into the rugby calendar in what has been an unpredictable period.

“Planning for a cross-hemisphere competition where the situation has been so fluid has provided many challenges, but we believe we have found a solution that is practical and safe to deliver a unique competition that supporters can get excited about.

“Throughout the Guinness PRO14 season, we have liaised with our unions and their governments to ensure we are meeting the conditions set out for elite sport to operate. We are very grateful for that support, without which a cross-border competition such as ours could not have taken place,” added Jordan.

PRO14 Rugby is currently consulting with our broadcast partners to select kick-off times and will confirm the scheduling as soon as possible.

 

FIXTURES

 ROUND 1:

 24 April 2021

Vodacom Bulls v Emirates Lions

DHL Stormers v Cell C Sharks

Ulster v Connacht

Leinster v Munster

Benetton v Glasgow Warriors

Edinburgh v Zebre Rugby Club

Ospreys v Cardiff Blues

Dragons v Scarlets

 

ROUND 2:

1 May 2021 (EPCR semi-final weekend)

DHL Stormers v Vodacom Bulls

Cell C Sharks v Emirates Lions

 

8 May 2021

Connacht v Leinster

Munster v Ulster

Zebre v Benetton

Glasgow Warriors v Edinburgh

Cardiff Blues v Dragons

Scarlets v Ospreys

 

ROUND 3:

 8 May 2021

Vodacom Bulls v Cell C Sharks

Emirates Lions v DHL Stormers

 

15 May 2021

Munster v Connacht

Leinster v Ulster

Benetton v Zebre

Edinburgh v Glasgow Warriors

Scarlets v Cardiff Blues

Dragons v Ospreys

 

ROUND 4: Weekend of 29 May

ROUND 5: Weekend of 5 June

ROUND 6: Weekend of 12 June

FINAL: Weekend of 19 June

New combinations to face Cell C Sharks

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Vodacom Bulls Director of Rugby, Jake White, continues rotating his squad as he named the group that will travel to face the Cell C Sharks in their final Preparation Series warm-up match at JONSSON Kings Park on Friday, 26 March 2021.

Springbok Nizaam Carr continues to wear the captain’s armband and will lead a forward pack that sees significant changes.

Blitzbok Tim Agaba comes into the starting lineup at blindside flank with Werner Gouws shifting to openside.

Janko Swanepoel will wear the no.5 jumper while there is a completely new front row in Springboks’ Marcel van der Merwe and Lizo Gqoboka while Schalk Erasmus gets another opportunity to impress in the no.2 jersey.

Richard Kriel (fullback), Madosh Tambwe (right wing), and Zak Burger (scrumhalf) retain their spots from last week’s thrilling win over against the DHL Stormers.

A new centre partnership will front up against the Durbanites with Marnus Potgieter and Dawid Kellerman entrusted with the responsibility while Diego Appollis will be on the hunt for tries on the left wing.

Lastly, veteran Springbok flyhalf Morné Steyn returns to add valuable experience in what is a youthful backline.

The bench has also been adjusted significantly with Jacques van Rooyen being named as a replacement after starting last week.

Juniors Raynard Roets and Reinhardt Ludwig will cover lock and loose forward respectively, while Clinton Swart and Jay-Cee Nel have been named as utility back cover, with Keagan Johannes being named as the scrumhalf replacement.

“We have our last warm-up this week and we could not ask for better opposition in the Cell C Sharks. It’s our first meeting since our Carling Currie Cup final battle and they’ll want to get one over the champions,” said White.

“We’ve continued in our rotation with the focus being on gaining experience throughout our larger squad. The Sharks have a strong squad which ultimately provides the foundation for another tough encounter but the gents are more than ready to throw their bodies on the line to secure a victory,” he added.

Kick-off is scheduled for 19:00 with the match being televised live on SuperSport.

Vodacom Bulls: 15. Richard Kriel, 14. Madosh Tambwe, 13. Marnus Potgieter, 12. Dawid Kellerman, 11. Diego Appollis, 10. Morné Steyn, 9. Zak Burger, 8. Nizaam Carr (c), 7. Tim Agaba, 6. Werner Gouws, 5. Janko Swanepoel, 4. Jan Uys, 3. Marcel van der Merwe, 2. Schalk Erasmus, 1. Lizo Gqoboka.

Replacements: 16. Janco Uys, 17. Jacques van Rooyen, 18. Mornay Smith, 19. Raynard Roets, 20. WJ Steenkamp, 21. Keagan Johannes, 22. Clinton Swart, 23. Jay-Cee Nel, 24. Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 25. Reinhardt Ludwig, 26. Bernard van der Linde, 27. Niel Beukes.

Experience returns for DHL Stormers game

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Springbok prop Trevor Nyakane and a host of experienced seniors return to the Vodacom Bulls’ starting line-up for their Preparation Series meeting with the DHL Stormers at Loftus Versfeld on Friday, 19 March 2020.

Besides Nyakane coming in at prop, Ruan Nortje and Marco van Staden return at lock and openside flank respectively.

The backs see a host of changes with newly recruited scrumhalf Zak Burger getting his first opportunity in the colours of the #TrueToTheBlue.

Cornal Hendriks and Stedman Gans resume their midfield partnership with Marco Jansen van Vuren shifting to left wing and Marnus Potgieter being named on the extended bench.

Richard Kriel replaces his brother, David, at fullback with the latter being rested.

The bench also sees an influx of experience as Johan Grobbelaar, Jacques van Rooyen, Blitzbok Tim Agaba, and Springbok Morné Steyn all set to add fresh legs later in the match.

“The North-South derby is always a ferocious affair and this match will be no different. The fact that it is a warm-up does not make it easier. We’ve named a little more experience for this meeting which was always in the plan as we gather momentum to the upcoming season,” said Vodacom Bulls’ Director or Rugby, Jake White.

Kick-off is scheduled for 19h00 and the match will be televised on SuperSport. 

Vodacom Bulls: 15. Richard Kriel, 14. Madosh Tambwe, 13. Stedman Gans, 12. Cornal Hendricks, 11. Marco Jansen van Vuren, 10. Chris Smith, 9. Zak Burger, 8. Nizaam Carr (c), 7. Werner Gouws, 6. Marco van Staden, 5. Ruan Nortje, 4. Janko Swanepoel, 3. Trevor Nyakane, 2. Joe van Zyl, 1. Gerhard Steenekamp.

Replacements: 16. Johan Grobbelaar, 17. Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 18. Jacques van Rooyen, 19. Jan Uys, 20. Tim Agaba, 21. Keagan Johannes, 22. Morné Steyn, 23. Diego Appollis, 24. Nolan Pienaar, 25. Raynard Roets, 26. Marnus Potgieter.

Vodacom Bulls celebrate success with 2020/21 AwardS

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The Blue Bulls Company held their combined awards ceremony for the 2020/21 season on the very field that saw them lift both the Vodacom Super Rugby Unlocked and Carling Currie Cup trophies earlier in the season on Friday, 12 March 2021.

The evening took place under the stars of Loftus Versfeld in a picnic-styled celebration, perhaps the most fitting given the Vodacom Bulls’ firm belief in the #BullsFamily, where players, management, sponsors, stakeholders, and family came together to celebrate the on-field success of the franchise. The setting on the A-field also ensured that there was enough social distance between the guests and that all other Covid protocols could be strictly followed.

A special mention must go to Vodacom Bulls’ captain and Springbok World Cup-winning no.8 Duane Vermeulen as well as one of rugby’s greatest comeback stories, Cornal Hendricks, as they continued to rack up the accolades after winning SA Rugby’s Player of the Year and Carling Currie Cup Player of the Year in the past week.

Furthermore, the announcement of Marco van Staden and Hendricks as joint winners of Vodacom’s Players’ of the Year marks the first time in this franchises’ proud history.

The Blue Bulls Company would like to congratulate the following on their awards and the #BullsFamily as a collective for their continued support throughout the past year. Together, we returned to winning ways, and together we will move forward.

Under 21

Forward of the Year: Jordan van Dyk

Back of the Year: Stravino Jacobs

Player of the Year: Janco Uys

Carling Currie Cup

QUATRO Forward of the Year: Trevor Nyakane

QUATRO Back of the Year: Cornal Hendricks

AFGRI Player of the Year: Duane Vermeulen

Vodacom Super Rugby Unlocked

Vodacom Forward of the Year: Ruan Nortje

Vodacom Back of the Year: Ivan van Zyl

Vodacom Player of the Year: Marco van Staden

Main Awards

BBCo Employee of the Year: Douglas Chauke

PUMA Most Improved of the Year: Stravino Jacobs

ISUZU New-comer of the Year: David Kriel

Team Man of the Year: Jan Uys

Vodacom Fans’ Player of the Year (APP): Duane Vermeulen

Vodacom Players of the Year: Marco van Staden and Cornal Hendricks