Hold onto your hats, rugby fans! The Vodacom Bulls are not just dipping their toes but diving headfirst into the 2025-26 Investec Champions Cup with a squad that screams 'heavyweight contenders'. Led by coach Johan Ackermann, this team is loaded with Springboks and fresh talent, clearly gunning for glory in both the Champions Cup and the Vodacom URC this season.
As they prepare to tackle the defending champs Bordeaux Bègles at their fortress, Loftus Versfeld, the Bulls boast a lineup that combines seasoned pros with exciting new blood. With 18 Springboks in the mix, including stalwarts like Handre Pollard, Wilco Louw, and Ruan Nortje, they're not just playing for points; they're playing to intimidate. The squad’s beefy pack, renowned for their brute force, is all set to bulldoze their way through the competition.
Before they unleash their fury in the Champions Cup, there's the small matter of a local derby that could rattle the Richter scale. The Bulls are set to clash with the Lions in a Jukskei derby that promises sparks, tackles, and perhaps a few flying handbags.
"We have a powerful squad this season, capable of competing with the best in Europe. We're not just here to participate; we aim to dominate,"
said an emphatic coach Ackermann, laying down the gauntlet.
Bulls squad:
Forwards: Alu Tshakweni, Gerhard Steenekamp, Jan Hendrik Wessels, Sti Sithole; Johan Grobbelaar, Akker van der Merwe, Juandré Else; Wilco Louw, Francois Klopper, Mornay Smith, Khuta Mchunu; Jaco Grobbelaar, Cobus Wiese; Ruan Nortje, Reinhardt Ludwig, JF van Heerden; Marco van Staden, Marcell Coetzee, Nama Xaba; Nizaam Carr, Elrigh Louw; Cameron Hanekom, Mpilo Gumede, JJ Theron, Jeandré Rudolph.
Backs: Embrose Papier, Paul de Wet, Zak Burger; Handré Pollard, Keagan Johannes, Kade Wolhuter; Stravino Jacobs, Kurt-Lee Arendse; Harold Vorster, Jan Serfontein; David Kriel, Stedman Gans; Sebastian de Klerk, Canan Moodie, Cheswill Jooste; Willie le Roux, Devon Williams.
With such a powerhouse squad, the Bulls are clearly not just hoping to make an impact—they're looking to leave a crater. Let the games begin!
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Hold onto your hats, rugby fans! The Vodacom Bulls are not just dipping their toes but diving headfirst into the 2025-26 Investec Champions Cup with a squad that screams 'heavyweight contenders'. Led by coach Johan Ackermann, this team is loaded with Springboks and fresh talent, clearly gunning for glory in both the Champions Cup and the Vodacom URC this season.
As they prepare to tackle the defending champs Bordeaux Bègles at their fortress, Loftus Versfeld, the Bulls boast a lineup that combines seasoned pros with exciting new blood. With 18 Springboks in the mix, including stalwarts like Handre Pollard, Wilco Louw, and Ruan Nortje, they're not just playing for points; they're playing to intimidate. The squad’s beefy pack, renowned for their brute force, is all set to bulldoze their way through the competition.
Before they unleash their fury in the Champions Cup, there's the small matter of a local derby that could rattle the Richter scale. The Bulls are set to clash with the Lions in a Jukskei derby that promises sparks, tackles, and perhaps a few flying handbags.
"We have a powerful squad this season, capable of competing with the best in Europe. We're not just here to participate; we aim to dominate,"
said an emphatic coach Ackermann, laying down the gauntlet.Bulls squad:
Forwards: Alu Tshakweni, Gerhard Steenekamp, Jan Hendrik Wessels, Sti Sithole; Johan Grobbelaar, Akker van der Merwe, Juandré Else; Wilco Louw, Francois Klopper, Mornay Smith, Khuta Mchunu; Jaco Grobbelaar, Cobus Wiese; Ruan Nortje, Reinhardt Ludwig, JF van Heerden; Marco van Staden, Marcell Coetzee, Nama Xaba; Nizaam Carr, Elrigh Louw; Cameron Hanekom, Mpilo Gumede, JJ Theron, Jeandré Rudolph.
Backs: Embrose Papier, Paul de Wet, Zak Burger; Handré Pollard, Keagan Johannes, Kade Wolhuter; Stravino Jacobs, Kurt-Lee Arendse; Harold Vorster, Jan Serfontein; David Kriel, Stedman Gans; Sebastian de Klerk, Canan Moodie, Cheswill Jooste; Willie le Roux, Devon Williams.
With such a powerhouse squad, the Bulls are clearly not just hoping to make an impact—they're looking to leave a crater. Let the games begin!