The Bulls are poised to face a significant challenge as Ruan Nortje, a cornerstone of their squad and a Springboks second-row, is set to depart for a Japanese club at the season's conclusion. This marks a pivotal shift for the Pretoria-based team, which has already seen three other seasoned players plan exits this year.
Nortje, who has been with the Bulls throughout his senior career since 2018, has not only been a regular on the field but also a leader off it. His journey with the Bulls has seen him accrue nearly 150 caps—an impressive tally he hopes to complete in the upcoming matches of the United Rugby Championship (URC).
From France, where the Bulls are preparing for their next URC game, Nortje shared his emotions about the move. "For me, it was a little boy’s dream come true to represent the Vodacom Bulls," he reflected. "I’d have been happy with one appearance and never imagined in my wildest dreams I’d get to almost 150 matches. I’ve been grateful and have been blessed not to have many injuries. A big thank you to everyone who played a role in my career. I was blessed to work with many amazing people. I’ve built friendships that will last forever. It’s a very emotional decision, but it’s all about my wife and my family – they are my number one priority."
"I respect that. He has given almost 10 years of his career to the Vodacom Bulls and been the heart and soul of the team."
Johan Ackermann, the coach of the Bulls, praised Nortje's contribution to the team both as a player and a person. "Since I arrived, I have been in conversation with Ruan and [Vodacom Bulls CEO] Edgar Rathbone about his decision to leave for an opportunity abroad," Ackermann said. He commended Nortje's leadership and expressed hope for a strong season finish to honor his tenure.
Bulls CEO Edgar Rathbone also echoed this sentiment, highlighting Nortje's embodiment of the Bulls' values. "Ruan represents everything the Vodacom Bulls stand for: commitment, humility, leadership, and pride in the jersey. He has given this union his best years, never once taking for granted what it means to play for the Vodacom Bulls. While we are sad to see him leave, we fully support his decision to take on an international opportunity for both his career and his young family. Ruan leaves with our deepest respect and gratitude, and with a legacy that will endure long after his final appearance at Loftus. He will always be a Vodacom Bulls player, and we wish him and Linda every success in this next chapter."
As the Bulls prepare to bid farewell to Nortje, the focus remains on leveraging his legacy to inspire the upcoming generation of players, ensuring his influence is felt long beyond his days on the field.
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The Bulls are poised to face a significant challenge as Ruan Nortje, a cornerstone of their squad and a Springboks second-row, is set to depart for a Japanese club at the season's conclusion. This marks a pivotal shift for the Pretoria-based team, which has already seen three other seasoned players plan exits this year.
Nortje, who has been with the Bulls throughout his senior career since 2018, has not only been a regular on the field but also a leader off it. His journey with the Bulls has seen him accrue nearly 150 caps—an impressive tally he hopes to complete in the upcoming matches of the United Rugby Championship (URC).
From France, where the Bulls are preparing for their next URC game, Nortje shared his emotions about the move. "For me, it was a little boy’s dream come true to represent the Vodacom Bulls," he reflected. "I’d have been happy with one appearance and never imagined in my wildest dreams I’d get to almost 150 matches. I’ve been grateful and have been blessed not to have many injuries. A big thank you to everyone who played a role in my career. I was blessed to work with many amazing people. I’ve built friendships that will last forever. It’s a very emotional decision, but it’s all about my wife and my family – they are my number one priority."
"I respect that. He has given almost 10 years of his career to the Vodacom Bulls and been the heart and soul of the team."
Johan Ackermann, the coach of the Bulls, praised Nortje's contribution to the team both as a player and a person. "Since I arrived, I have been in conversation with Ruan and [Vodacom Bulls CEO] Edgar Rathbone about his decision to leave for an opportunity abroad," Ackermann said. He commended Nortje's leadership and expressed hope for a strong season finish to honor his tenure.
Bulls CEO Edgar Rathbone also echoed this sentiment, highlighting Nortje's embodiment of the Bulls' values. "Ruan represents everything the Vodacom Bulls stand for: commitment, humility, leadership, and pride in the jersey. He has given this union his best years, never once taking for granted what it means to play for the Vodacom Bulls. While we are sad to see him leave, we fully support his decision to take on an international opportunity for both his career and his young family. Ruan leaves with our deepest respect and gratitude, and with a legacy that will endure long after his final appearance at Loftus. He will always be a Vodacom Bulls player, and we wish him and Linda every success in this next chapter."
As the Bulls prepare to bid farewell to Nortje, the focus remains on leveraging his legacy to inspire the upcoming generation of players, ensuring his influence is felt long beyond his days on the field.