Martin Anayi: 'Bulls a powerhouse in world rugby'
NEWS: Martin Anayi, CEO of the United Rugby Championship, has penned a heartfelt letter of thanks to the Bulls for hosting an epic Final.
It was in front of a capacity crowd that the Bulls hosted the URC GRAND FINAL but they could not overcome a spirited Glasgow Warriors side at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
The team from Scotland managed to beat the hosts 21-16, ending the Bulls’ run of wins in the competition.
In the letter Anayi thanked Bulls president Willem Strauss and CEO Edgar Rathbone, as well as Jake White, the Director of Rugby, for the way in which they not only competed but also deservedly hosted the Final, selling out the stadium in less than five days.
“The Bulls are a mighty fine team and organisation who fully deserved the home Final at Loftus Versfeld through an excellent season culminating in one of the best semifinals I have seen in our league’s history v Leinster. Whilst you came just short [quite literally] in the last minute of the last game, you have proven beyond doubt that you are a powerhouse of URC and indeed world rugby.
“We are overawed by the unbelievable talent and success you have coming through the age grades [congratulations on Craven Week win], the schools, universities and clubs and indeed the burgeoning women’s section. Rugby is alive and well in and around Pretoria and in your wider Province and you should be very proud of that.
“Everything from the way our team was welcomed into your offices, to the way you set the venue up for the fan zone, the comms and marketing activity through to selling out in less than five days whilst holidays were not in our favour shows great character, great expertise and vision for being World Class – and that’s what the Grand Final was and that is truly what the Bulls are.
“We know we will be back for BIG games at Loftus and we take great heart in knowing that the foundations are strong for our return.”
Loftus Versfeld Stadium was unbelievable 😍🏟️ Thank you to the Vodacom @BlueBullsRugby & the fans for putting on an epic Grand Final spectacle 🎇💙
📸 – Alternative Angles@Vodacom #URC | #BULvGLA pic.twitter.com/FSXyBopGjQ
— Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial_RSA) June 24, 2024
