Young stars sign on the dotted line for Bulls
NEWS: The Bulls are laying solid foundations for their future after announcing a slew of significant contract extensions for eight of their most promising young talents.
The extensions see the young stars commit to the Pretoria-based side until at least 2028, with another signing as far as 2030.
The list of players who have committed their future to Loftus Versfeld includes Cheswill Jooste (2030), Mornay Smith, Francois Kloppers, JF van Heerden (all 2029), Juann Else, Alulutho Tshakweni, Jaco Grobbelaar, Keagan Johannes, Sebastian de Klerk (all 2028)
Tshakweni, Van Heerden, Else, and loose forward Grobbelaar have been consistent features in the Bulls rotation, while the explosive backline duo of Keagan Johannes and Sebastian de Klerk continue to be fan favourites.
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The man of the hour is staying in PTA until 2028🐂 #TheUnbreakableLine pic.twitter.com/21pfBl7AHJ
— Official Blue Bulls (@BlueBullsRugby) November 13, 2025
“I’ve been here since school, and the Bulls have been good to me. I’m loving Pretoria and look forward to continuing my journey here,” said Johannes.
De Klerk, too, was thrilled with his extension.
“I love it at the Bulls, I love Pretoria. It’s massive to be part of something so prestigious and with a great history.”
The long-term signings of young front rowers Smith and Kloppers underlines the desire to maintain forward dominance.
Meanwhile, Van Heerden, just 21, was also happy to be recognised with a contract extension.
“I can’t think of a place I’d rather be,” he said, having joined the Bulls straight after school. “This is home for me, and it’s a massive privilege to be working with everyone.”
Edgar Rathbone, Blue Bulls Company CEO, hailed the signings as a cornerstone of the club’s long-term strategy.
“This mass retention of our young talent is not just an investment; it is a declaration of our intent to build a sustainable, world-class squad for the next decade,” said Rathbone.
“These are not projects; they are proven, committed performers who have been integral to our success.
“Our development pathway is producing the next generation of Vodacom Bulls legends, and by locking them in, we are ensuring the future of our club remains firmly anchored at Loftus Versfeld.”
Earlier this week, Springboks Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Cameron Hanekom extended their contracts with the Pretoria franchise.
Having begun their professional careers aged 18 at the Bulls, both have signed on until the end of the 2028 season.
