Bulls provide update on Cameron Hanekom
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Bulls received a timely boost with the return of Elrich Louw, while head coach Johan Ackermann also provided an update on Springbok loose forward Cameron Hanekom.
Louw has been named on the bench for the upcoming United Rugby Championship clash against the Lions.
It has been 10 months since he last played competitive rugby, and Saturday will mark a significant moment for the loose forward, who had originally been expected to return only in February 2026.
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“He is back earlier than we expected,” Ackermann told reporters.
“It’s great to have his experience back and to have someone of his influence returning to the squad.”
Meanwhile, fellow loose forward Hanekom – who suffered a devastating knee injury in June 2025 – will need to wait a few more months before making his return.
The 23-year-old had initially been scheduled to be back by late November or early December, but his rehabilitation has been hampered by a few setbacks.
“Hanekom is unfortunately still out,” Ackermann said.
“We can’t determine an exact return date. It’s a daily and weekly process of monitoring how his hamstring responds to rehab.
“He’ll have a few good sessions, followed by days where things don’t progress as well, and he has to pull back. Every injury is unique, and the rehab team is managing it carefully. We hope he’ll be fine in the near future.”
Ackermann also confirmed that Handré Pollard returned from Springbok duty with a mild calf niggle, prompting the Bulls to rest him this week.
“We had to make the tough call not to play him,” the coach explained.
“There’s always the risk of the injury worsening, and with a long season ahead, it’s only logical not to expose him unnecessarily. We want to give him time to settle in and get the injury treated. If all goes well, he should be available for [Champions Cup clash against] Bordeaux next week.”
