After a solid stint with the Leicester Tigers that spanned seven fruitful years and nearly 150 caps, Hanro Liebenberg is making his way back to where it all started: the Vodacom Bulls. The seasoned 30-year-old flanker, a former Junior Bok standout, is part of a notable wave of South African talent returning to their roots after broadening their horizons on foreign fields.
Liebenberg's tenure at Leicester was marked by consistent performance and leadership, yet the pull of home has proven too strong to resist. "I can’t put my finger on exactly why so many South Africans return," Liebenberg shared with Rapport.
"As you get older, it’s always nice to come back home, play for your home union and be among your people and family."
His decision isn't just about rugby; it's about family and future.
"I’m looking forward to raising my children in South Africa and having that support system around us."
His return isn't just a personal homecoming but also a strategic move in his career. "It will also be nice to play for a South African team against overseas sides in the URC and Champions Cup for a change," he noted. His time in England was enjoyable and enriching, but South Africa calls him back. "I was in England for seven years and really enjoyed my time there. But the plan was always to come back to South Africa one day – it’s home for us."
The allure of rejoining the Bulls isn't just about familiar surroundings or playing at home. The team's trajectory has caught Liebenberg's eye even from abroad. "I’ve been watching from afar and you can see something is happening at the Bulls," he remarked. His anticipation to rejoin and contribute to their progress is palpable: "It will be nice to be part of that."
Liebenberg's return is set against the backdrop of other notable movements within South African rugby, hinting at a robust season ahead for the local leagues as they reclaim seasoned internationals. With Liebenberg back in the mix, the Bulls are looking stronger and more formidable as they gear up for upcoming challenges in both the URC and Champions Cup.
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After a solid stint with the Leicester Tigers that spanned seven fruitful years and nearly 150 caps, Hanro Liebenberg is making his way back to where it all started: the Vodacom Bulls. The seasoned 30-year-old flanker, a former Junior Bok standout, is part of a notable wave of South African talent returning to their roots after broadening their horizons on foreign fields.
Liebenberg's tenure at Leicester was marked by consistent performance and leadership, yet the pull of home has proven too strong to resist. "I can’t put my finger on exactly why so many South Africans return," Liebenberg shared with Rapport.
"As you get older, it’s always nice to come back home, play for your home union and be among your people and family."
His decision isn't just about rugby; it's about family and future."I’m looking forward to raising my children in South Africa and having that support system around us."
His return isn't just a personal homecoming but also a strategic move in his career. "It will also be nice to play for a South African team against overseas sides in the URC and Champions Cup for a change," he noted. His time in England was enjoyable and enriching, but South Africa calls him back. "I was in England for seven years and really enjoyed my time there. But the plan was always to come back to South Africa one day – it’s home for us."
The allure of rejoining the Bulls isn't just about familiar surroundings or playing at home. The team's trajectory has caught Liebenberg's eye even from abroad. "I’ve been watching from afar and you can see something is happening at the Bulls," he remarked. His anticipation to rejoin and contribute to their progress is palpable: "It will be nice to be part of that."
Liebenberg's return is set against the backdrop of other notable movements within South African rugby, hinting at a robust season ahead for the local leagues as they reclaim seasoned internationals. With Liebenberg back in the mix, the Bulls are looking stronger and more formidable as they gear up for upcoming challenges in both the URC and Champions Cup.