VIDEO: The Bulls' game changer talks about utility factor
WATCH as utility back Marco Jansen van Vuren speaks about his decision to cross the Jukskei – from Johannesburg to Pretoria – and his ‘utility’ role at Loftus Versfeld.
The ‘utility’ tag is often frowned upon in South Africa – especially given how players like Brent Russell and Francois Hougaard were treated.
However, Jansen van Vuren is embracing the chance to upskill himself in several positions.
Born in Vanderbijlpark, the 24-year-old was seen exclusively as a scrumhalf during his junior years – especially when he played Craven Week for the Falcons and later age-group rugby for the Lions.
He also wore the No.9 jersey in his 20-odd appearances for the Lions senior teams between 2015 and 2018.
However, Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White has played Jansen van Vuren in several positions – including the jaw-dropping decision to move him to the midfield during the team’s recent victorious Currie Cup campaign.
“Things happened for me here [in Pretoria],” he said in a video on the Bulls’ social media channels.
“Coach Jake [White] just backed me all the way.
“He has played me in a number of positions and that is awesome for me, as a person, to grow in different positions.”
While many still see him primarily as a scrumhalf, he has featured on the wing and both centre positions for the Pretoria outfit.
“If they want to try me at fullback, I am the type of person that is willing to learn. Wherever they put me I will just learn and grow as a player.”
Source: @BlueBullsRugby
