Bok forward to captain Bulls in Ackermann era
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The Bulls have named a powerful United Rugby Championship squad consisting of 32 forwards and 24 backs, with a Springbok forward leading the side.
Ruan Nortje will captain the Bulls in this season’s URC campaign, having led the Pretoria-based outfit last season.
In confirming the appointment, new coach Johan Ackermann explained that he was satisfied that the squad had several leaders within, particularly if Nortje is drawn away for national duty.
The Bulls squad has an encouraging blend of experience and some exciting new talent.
What is evident is that there is healthy competition for every position, where some seasoned campaigners have joined the squad, with several talented young players also stepping up.
Among this season’s recruits are Handre Pollard – back in Bulls colours for the first time in six years – plus Jan Serfontein, who returns to Loftus Versfeld after eight successful years in France.
There are places, too, for ex-Montpellier grafter Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg, former Stormers scrumhalf Paul de Wet and Cheetahs hard man Jeandre Rudolph, who had a storming Currie Cup season.
The injury list remains significant – players like Elrigh Louw, Nizaam Carr, Akker van der Merwe, Ruan Vermaak and Cameron Hanekom are undergoing rehabilitation – but medical staff are working hard to ensure the first squad of the season, for the opening match against the Ospreys on September 27, is fit and hardened.
Among the most promising emerging players to look out for are Junior Boks Esethu Mnebelele, No.8 JJ Theron, prop Jean Erasmus and wing Cheswill Jooste.
Forwards: Alu Tshakweni, Gerhard Steenekamp, Jan Hendrik Wessels, Sti Sithole Ruan Swart, Johan Grobbelaar Akker van der Merwe, Juann Else, Esethu Mnebelele, Wilco Louw, Francois Klopper, Mornay Smith, Jean Erasmus, Khuta Mchunu, JF van Heerden, Ruan Nortje, Ruan Vermaak, Jaco Grobbelaar, Sintu Manjezi, Reinhardt Ludwig, Cobus Wiese, Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg, Marco van Staden; Marcell Coetzee, Nama Xaba, Jannes Kirsten, Nizaam Carr, Elrich Louw, Cameron Hanekom, Mpilo Gumede, JJ Theron, Jeandre Rudolph
Backs: Embrose Papier, Paul de Wet, Zak Burger, Steven Nel, Handre Pollard, Keagan Johannes, Johan Goosen, Stravino Jacobs, Sergeal Petersen, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Harold Vorster, Jan Serfontein PA van Niekerk, Chris Barend Smit, David Kriel, Stedman Gans, Katlego Letebele, Sebastian de Klerk, Canan Moodie, Cheswill Jooste, Aphiwe Dyantyi, Willie le Roux, Devon Williams, Henry Immelman.
