Share

Bulls president: There's a lot to be positive about

Cape Town - Bulls president Willem Strauss has called on fans not to lose faith in the team, insisting all is not doom and gloom and the union.

The Blue Bulls are currently bottom of the Currie Cup standings, with only one win from four matches and will have to work hard if they are to avoid playing in the promotion-relegation match at season's end.

The Bulls reached the Super Rugby playoffs this year but look set to lose some of their star performers - however Strauss told Netwerk24 that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

"Overall, there's a lot to be positive about at the union. Our representative teams - from schools' level upwards - have an 80% win record this season and a lot is being done to again make our clubs a strong feeder system for the union.

"It's sad to see our performances (in the Currie Cup) because so far it's actually been a good year for the Bulls. We have the most representatives in the Springbok squad and players like Lizo Gqoboka, Trevor Nyakane and Warrick Gelant - who are currently on tour with the Boks - played Currie Cup rugby last year. In a way, we're actually the victims of our own success."

Strauss added that they were already planning on making a success of next year's Super Rugby competition.

"We realise that we're losing a lot of senior players and that's a huge challenge. We won't have a Handre Pollard or a RG Snyman next season and we'll have to develop players to the best of their abilities."

Strauss added that the Bulls would give head coach Pote Human the best possible support.

He said they were in talks with former Springbok assistant Johann van Graan, who currently coaches Munster in Ireland, about getting an National Football League (NFL) specialist who helped at the Irish club.

The Blue Bulls' remaining fixtures in the Currie Cup are against the Golden Lions (Johannesburg, August 10) and Sharks (Pretoria, August 24).

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1472 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2250 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE