Bulls: Close but no cigar 

SEASON REVIEW: Following their disappointing United Rugby Championship Final loss to Leinster, the Bulls and their supporters should still be optimistic for the upcoming season.

Three finals in four years are worth celebrating. It shows consistency, class and growth.

The Bulls will rue blowing a home Final against Glasgow Warriors last year when it seemed as if they had the match under control, as opposed to the recent loss to Leinster, who were the odds-on favourites to go all the way.

If anything, their reported reinforcements of Springboks Handré Pollard, Jan Serfontein, Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg, Marvin Orie and former Stormers scrumhalf Paul de Wet should provide optimism that they can go all the way in 2026.

The Bulls, to some degree, would look back at their season and rue their missed chances to top the table and gain home ground advantage.

A mere eight points separated them and newly crowned URC Champions Leinster, which means two wins, including one with a four-try bonus point, could’ve changed the whole picture of the tournament.

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They suffered narrow losses to the Sharks (away), Scarlets (away) and to the Stormers (home).

That in itself would’ve at least been 12 log points that would’ve made the world of difference.

The Bulls aren’t far off from being a championship outfit and have shown that they are a top team in world rugby.

They will open their 2025-26 URC season with home matches against the Ospreys and a ‘grudge’ match against Leinster before embarking overseas to face Ulster, Connacht and Glasgow Warriors and should get a good start to their campaign.

With all factors considered, @rugby365com rates the Bulls’ season a 9/10.