'The move from Durban wasn't easy'

NEWS: Celimpilo ‘Mpilo’ Gumede has signed a new contract with the Bulls, committing his long-term future with the Tshwane-based outfit.

Gumede’s extension will see play out of Loftus until June 2028.

Since joining the franchise from the coast in July of 2023 and making his debut against Namibia in a friendly, the loose forward out of Mtubatuba has gone on to make eight competitive appearances across the United Rugby Championship and Champions Cup competitions.

He has been a great versatile option in the forward pack and in the process earning a call-up to the opening Springbok alignment camp.

Gumede, a double SA Schools alumni, says he had no doubts that he wanted to extend his stay at Loftus.

“I had no doubt [in my mind] that I wanted to accept the offer because I have been in a good space since arriving in Pretoria and being with the Bulls family.

“There is a lot that comes with it, good culture, and good people outside of rugby, for me it has been a huge blessing and opportunity to be with this team. I am really happy and I look forward to the future.”

Speaking about his decision to extend his stay with the Bulls after only seven months with the herd, Gumede said: “I have to be honest, the move from Durban wasn’t easy.

“The people have been very friendly and I am adapting much quicker than I thought. We have great guys here so it wasn’t hard for me to fit in, they are very open and welcoming.

“I am definitely having a great time.”

On what he looks forward to in the coming years at Loftus, he notes: “Firstly I just want to thank coach Jake [White] and the rest of his coaching department for putting their faith and trust in me. They believed in me and have worked with me to help me become a better player already.

“In the coming years, I just want to improve my rugby, my game and be a better player and obviously I want to be a part of the teams that go on to win trophies for this franchise.”