Oh, how the prodigal sons return! The Vodacom Bulls are beefing up their squad with some familiar star power, confirming that Springbok centre Jan Serfontein is set to make his grand return to Pretoria for the 2025-26 season. After an eight-year stint with Montpellier, Serfontein is back where it all began.
Despite a tempting dance with French citizenship that put a pause on negotiations last year, the 32-year-old midfield maestro has finally inked a three-year deal to reunite with his first professional club. It’s a return that’s got fans buzzing, not least because Serfontein will be joining forces with another Bulls and Boks stalwart, Handre Pollard. Talk about a dynamic duo!
Serfontein, who adorned the Bulls jersey from 2013 to 2017 before jetting off to France, has racked up quite the resume with over 147 appearances for Montpellier. Yet, his heart seems to have remained in the southern hemisphere, as he's made it crystal clear he’s gunning for a spot with the Springboks again. “I’m not just back to play; I’m here to dominate and pull on that green and gold once more,” he declared, his eyes surely on the prize.
“I’m not just back to play; I’m here to dominate and pull on that green and gold once more.”
It's no secret that a player of Serfontein’s calibre adds a hefty dose of skill to any team he graces. His last cap for the Springboks was against Argentina in the 2017 Rugby Championship, but if his ambitions are any indication, we’ll be seeing him in national colors sooner rather than later.
With the Bulls already bolstering their ranks with the return of Pollard and now Serfontein, the Loftus Versfeld faithful are in for some thrilling rugby. The Bulls’ strategists are clearly playing a long game of chess, bringing back experienced players to blend with the vigor of new blood. It's a blend that promises fireworks on the field and perhaps a few more trophies in the cabinet.
The stage is set, the players are lining up, and with Serfontein back on home turf, the Bulls are looking more formidable than ever. Could this be the season they reclaim their glory? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the Bulls are not playing around.