How a career detour reignited Sango Xamlashe’s Bulls dream
EXCLUSIVE: Professional rugby in South Africa can be merciless and, more often than not, has the power to make or break a player’s career.
That’s because the top unions have a conveyor belt of talent, forcing them to constantly filter their squads, release players, and make difficult decisions that shape players’ futures.
*Also read: The numbers that say the Bulls are a real threat to Leinster
In most cases, players end up “falling out of the system” and having to find alternative ways to make a living within or beyond the game.
This became Sango Xamlashe’s reality when he was released by the Bulls at the end of 2021.
The explosive centre had been part of the union’s junior structures, captained the University of Pretoria (TUKS) to a Varsity Cup title, and also led the Under-21 side as well as the Currie Cup team at some stage.
However, when the new sheriff, Jake White, arrived, there was suddenly no space for him.
Instead of stewing over the disappointment, Xamlashe decided to chart his own course and turned what could have been a career-ending setback into a positive experience.
He had done enough to attract interest from the Griquas, joining the Kimberley-based outfit, where he would spend the next two seasons.
During his tenure there, he also enjoyed a short loan spell at the Lions before helping Griquas win the inaugural SA Cup title in 2024.
A year later, Xamlashe then joined the Pumas and had a successful two-year stint in Mbombela, lifting the SA Cup on two occasions.
Now, five years since leaving Loftus, the East London-born centre will have another crack at his Bulls dream after signing a two-year contract with the union.
Up until now, it’s been a journey full of lessons, he says.
“When I left the Bulls, I decided to pivot because I knew that should something go wrong, I must have another avenue to explore,” he told Rugby365.
“That doesn’t necessarily mean I had given up on professional rugby, but it meant my journey was just delayed a bit.
“When the chance to join the Griquas came, I saw it as a way to come back and fight.
“You must remember, I was 21 back then and had very little value, and I didn’t know much.
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The Bulls were not going to give me that opportunity to learn because you learn by playing matches, and that’s what helped me at the Griquas and Pumas.
“I had no sour feelings; I understood the nature of the environment. These things happen, and I wasn’t the first nor the last.”
Xamlashe says his positive outlook on life and the cards he was dealt allowed him to get enough game time and grow his game away from Pretoria.
He says the move also exposed him to different coaching styles and cultures.
“I was initially concerned when leaving the Bulls, thinking how it would work out and how beneficial it would be, but by the grace of God, it worked out.
“I had a great time at the Griquas, and it’s been two beautiful seasons at the Pumas. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time here. I’ve learned a lot and met some amazing people.
“I think it’s important to find ways to reinvent yourself within different systems. That’s where growth is, and I’ve grown a lot here.”
By winning the SA Cup title with the Pumas this year, Xamlashe became the first player to win the tournament three times.
They did it the hard way, beating his former employers [the Griquas] 38-35 in a riveting Final decided in extra time in Kimberly.
“I didn’t pick it up [Winning the SA Cup three times in a row] until people started making a noise about it,” he added.
“I think it’s special to be part of records, but it wouldn’t have happened without me being surrounded by good teammates and coaches.
“It’s not all about me; my team has played a huge role, so I can’t claim it as my own achievement.”
Xamlashe, who is currently playing for the Pumas in the Toyota Challenge, will link up with his Bulls teammates after this year’s Currie Cup.
He says he’s delighted to be rejoining the union and that he returns with more experience and maturity, on and off the field.
“This move does feel like a full circle moment for me,” he admitted.
“Every rugby player aspires to play in the URC, and being able to do it at one of the biggest clubs in the world is huge for me.
“As much as we can speak about it being a great opportunity, I still have to use it properly.
“It’s going to be difficult; I anticipate that because we have the best players from all over the country, so I have to put my hand up in that system and make a positive contribution.
“I also want to grow because growth is important for me, and I think there’s a great opportunity for me to achieve that at the Bulls.”
While the Bulls fans will be eager to see what he can produce on the field, they will occasionally get a glimpse into his character off the field.
That’s because he’s also known for his social media banter and funny videos with his teammates, which give fans an inside look at the life of a professional rugby player.
“Rugby is a very conservative space, and you need to recognise your environment before you do anything.
“Unfortunately, I didn’t grow up like that. I grew up being able to express myself. For us to grow the game, I think we, as players, must be able to express ourselves even off the field.
“For me, it’s about showing people who I am, and that I’m also a human being. It’s different for other people, and you have to respect that.”
During his time at Tuks, Xamlashe completed a BCom General degree before going on to pursue a Postgraduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship.
He hopes to inspire the next generation, encouraging young players to stay open to alternative paths should their rugby careers not unfold as expected.
As far as his time at the Bulls is concerned, Xamlashe wants to make the most of his second chance, help the team succeed, and continue living up to the promise he showed early in his career.
