Bulls lose Springbok star for Stade Français showdown
INJURY UPDATE: The Bulls have suffered a setback ahead of their Investec Champions Cup opener against Stade Français, with the news of Springbok star Canan Moodie.
The Bulls confirmed that Moodie has been ruled out of Saturday’s clash at Loftus Versfeld due to head injury assessment (HIA) protocols.
Moodie was one of 10 Springbok players who featured in the Bulls’ emphatic 57-15 victory over the Lions in the United Rugby Championship Round three clash on Saturday.
*READ: Ackermann outlines Bulls’ Champions Cup approach
The versatile back was forced off the field early in the second half after undergoing an HIA.
Before his departure, Moodie made his presence felt, scoring a try, competing brilliantly in the air and threatening the Lions’ defence with several line breaks.
His absence is a blow for the Bulls as they turn their attention to the Champions Cup, where they will look to make a strong start to their campaign.
The Pretoria-based outfit have been South Africa’s standard-bearers in the competition over the past three seasons, consistently outperforming their domestic rivals.
Last season, they reached the knockout stages despite winning just one of their pool matches, before suffering a last-16 exit at the hands of Glasgow Warriors.
Their best run came in the 2023/24 campaign, when they reached the quarterfinals before suffering a heavy 22-59 defeat to Northampton Saints.
Bulls 2026/2027 Champions Cup squad:
Forwards: Alu Tshakweni, Gerhard Steenekamp, Sti Sithole, Dylan Smith, Francois Klopper, Mornay Smith, Khuta Mchunu, Jean Erasmus, Hencus van Wyk, Johan Grobbelaar, Akker van der Merwe, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Ruan Vermaak, Cobus Wiese, Jaco Grobbelaar, JF van Heerden, Reinhardt Ludwig, Marco van Staden, Marcell Coetzee, Nizaam Carr, Elrigh Louw, Hanro Liebenberg, Cameron Hanekom, Jeandre Rudolph.
Backs: Embrose Papier, Paul de Wet, Keagan Johannes, Handre Pollard, Curwin Bosch, Luan Giliomee, Harold Vorster, Sango Xamlashe, Pieter van der Merwe, Stedman Gans, Demetri Erasmu, Stravino Jacobs, Sebastian de Klerk, Canan Moodie, Cheswill Jooste, Dylan Maart, Willie le Roux, Hakeem Kunene
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