Bulls CEO Edgar Rathbone is making it clear: excuses won’t fly at Loftus next season, not even the popular 'rebuilding phase' one. Despite the Bulls facing player exits like Kurt-Lee Arendse and Ruan Nortjé heading to Japan, and Wilco Louw rejoining the Stormers with David Kriel also moving abroad, Rathbone is adamant that these departures won’t hobble the team’s performance.
“It’s an unavoidable cycle for any team,” Rathbone expressed in a recent interview. He conceded that losing such high-profile players simultaneously is far from ideal. However, he remains unfazed by the daunting task of filling these gaps, particularly the one left by a veteran like Nortjé who has contributed massively in his 148 appearances for the Bulls.
“But the word ‘rebuilding phase’ is taboo at the Bulls.”
The void left by these players will indeed be challenging to fill. Yet, Rathbone is confident in the emerging talent. The likes of Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg, JF van Heerden, and Reinhardt Ludwig are tipped to step up in the locks department. The scenario of replacing powerhouse tighthead Louw seems almost insurmountable, but Rathbone is betting on Mornay Smith and Francois Klopper to rise to the occasion.
“Replacing someone like Wilco is basically impossible,” he admitted. “But they’ve both played good rugby this season.”
Looking ahead, the Bulls aren’t just eyeing internal promotions to bolster their squad. New arrivals are on the horizon with Luan Giliomee, Thaakir Abrahams, and Dylan Maart poised to don the blue jersey. Moreover, former Sharks flyhalf Curwin Bosch is also set to join the ranks, adding a fresh dynamic to the team’s strategy.
The Bulls have their work cut out for them as they navigate this transition. Yet, with a mix of emerging talent and strategic new signings, the team at Loftus is poised not just to adapt, but to thrive. Rebuilding phase or not, Rathbone’s message is clear: the Bulls are here to compete, no excuses.
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Bulls CEO Edgar Rathbone is making it clear: excuses won’t fly at Loftus next season, not even the popular 'rebuilding phase' one. Despite the Bulls facing player exits like Kurt-Lee Arendse and Ruan Nortjé heading to Japan, and Wilco Louw rejoining the Stormers with David Kriel also moving abroad, Rathbone is adamant that these departures won’t hobble the team’s performance.
“It’s an unavoidable cycle for any team,” Rathbone expressed in a recent interview. He conceded that losing such high-profile players simultaneously is far from ideal. However, he remains unfazed by the daunting task of filling these gaps, particularly the one left by a veteran like Nortjé who has contributed massively in his 148 appearances for the Bulls.
“But the word ‘rebuilding phase’ is taboo at the Bulls.”
The void left by these players will indeed be challenging to fill. Yet, Rathbone is confident in the emerging talent. The likes of Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg, JF van Heerden, and Reinhardt Ludwig are tipped to step up in the locks department. The scenario of replacing powerhouse tighthead Louw seems almost insurmountable, but Rathbone is betting on Mornay Smith and Francois Klopper to rise to the occasion.
“Replacing someone like Wilco is basically impossible,” he admitted. “But they’ve both played good rugby this season.”
Looking ahead, the Bulls aren’t just eyeing internal promotions to bolster their squad. New arrivals are on the horizon with Luan Giliomee, Thaakir Abrahams, and Dylan Maart poised to don the blue jersey. Moreover, former Sharks flyhalf Curwin Bosch is also set to join the ranks, adding a fresh dynamic to the team’s strategy.
The Bulls have their work cut out for them as they navigate this transition. Yet, with a mix of emerging talent and strategic new signings, the team at Loftus is poised not just to adapt, but to thrive. Rebuilding phase or not, Rathbone’s message is clear: the Bulls are here to compete, no excuses.