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Pretoria - Springbok prop Gurthro Steenkamp has renewed his contract with the Blue Bulls untill the end of 2011.
Steenkamp has been playing some of the best rugby of his career in this year's Super 14 tournament and the fact he extended his contract is good news for the Bulls.
Steenkamp, who will be 28 years old in June, says he is extremely happy at Loftus and added it was quite an easy decision to make as to whether or not he should continue his career with the Bulls.
"I love the team's culture and playing in the light blue jersey is a huge honour. There are wonderful structures in place at Loftus and that played a big part in my decision.
"I joined the Bulls at the end of 2004, but a wrist injury kept me on the sideline for 18 months.
"With my injuries woes I could only play one match in two seasons but the Bulls continued to back me and they never stopped believing in my abilities.
"They had the opportunity to release me, but they supported me through the dark days and that meant a lot to me. They have always showed faith in me while I was busy with my rehabilitation and I will always be grateful for that."
The manager of the Bulls, Wynie Strydom, was delighted with Steenkamp's decision and said that the veteran of 20 Tests is a huge asset to the team.
"I think Gurthro is one of the best loosehead props in world rugby and he has the ability to deliver the goods in each and every game that he plays.
"He plays his heart out and on and off the field he is a great team player. He is one of our senior members who play a leading role in the team and he always motivates and inspires the youngsters. In my opinion he is the ideal teammate and his signing is great news for everybody in the Bulls' family."
