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Papier returns as Bulls name 14 Boks in Champions Cup squad

By Angus Opperman
Monday 12 Oct 2026
PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA – AUGUST 15: Embrose Papier of the Bulls during the Castle Double Malt Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry match between Vodacom Bulls and New Zealand at Loftus Versfeld on August 15, 2026 in Pretoria, South Africa. (Photo by Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images)

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The Bulls have confirmed their 42-man squad for the upcoming Investec Champions Cup campaign, which includes 14 Springboks.

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Head coach Johan Ackermann named 24 forwards and 18 backs ahead of their Round One EPCR Champions Cup clash against Stade Francais at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

*Also read: Hits & Misses: Rampaging Hanekom and Krappie’s costly brainfart

The squad includes World Cup winner Handre Pollard, Curwin Bosch, and Luan Giliomee as the primary playmakers alongside fullbacks Willie le Roux and Hakeem Kunene.

The second row consists of Ruan Vermaak, Cobus Wiese, Jaco Grobbelaar, JF van Heerden, and Reinhardt Ludwig, who are getting the nod.

In the loose trio, Marco van Staden and Marcell Coetzee cover the flanks alongside Nizaam Carr, Elrigh Louw, and captain Hanro Liebenberg, with Cameron Hanekom and Jeandre Rudolph named as the No.8s.

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.

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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

1 YEAR TO GO - RWC27

1 YEAR TO GO 

The countdown is on until the biggest Men’s Rugby World Cup ever kicks off in Australia. Go All Out and secure your seats with tickets now available! 

BUY TICKETS NOW

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