Stedman Gans, the versatile backbone of the Vodacom Bulls, is gearing up for what could be his landmark 100th game with the team. Transitioning from a celebrated Blitzbok career to a pivotal utility back, Gans has filled the gaps left by injuries and retirements within the squad, proving his worth across multiple positions.
With the Bulls facing a string of player setbacks including the likes of David Kriel and Sebastian de Klerk, plus the unexpected retirement of Jan Serfontein, Gans has stepped up to the plate. "I look at that responsibility [of filling multiple roles in the backline] as a privilege," Gans commented as he prepared for the upcoming clash against Benetton at Loftus Versfeld.
"You work hard to get yourself ready for opportunities like that. Obviously, you don’t want it to come through injury, but in rugby, it comes in a lot of different ways."
Now, with a broadened role, he is poised to make significant impacts wherever he plays.
Despite the challenges of not being a fixture in one particular position, Gans remains optimistic and grateful for his situation at the Bulls. "It does get one down a bit," he admits, regarding the irregular playtime, "But for me, it is just about always remembering what a privilege it is to be part of a top system like this at the Bulls and to stay positive because your chance will come."
While traditionally an outside centre, Gans has also been making waves at inside centre, enjoying the increased involvement that comes with the territory. "I quite enjoy 12," he said. "You get your hands on the ball a bit more." When asked about his style compared to traditional South African inside centres like André Esterhuizen or Damian de Allende, Gans offered his philosophy:
"My interpretation is that a 12 must take the line forward, whether that’s by running over people, stepping or finding space."
Amid new signings and evolving team dynamics, Gans views competition for spots as a natural part of life at Loftus. "It’s like that every year," he reflects. "People change form, coaches think differently, and sometimes teams want to play a different way."
Off the field, Gans is not only an athlete but also a budding entrepreneur and student, engaging in industrial psychology studies, working within the Bulls’ commercial department, and running a coffee roastery business. He is keenly aware of the finite nature of a sports career, stating, "We all know the game stops at some point, so I’m trying to build things for the future as well."
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Stedman Gans, the versatile backbone of the Vodacom Bulls, is gearing up for what could be his landmark 100th game with the team. Transitioning from a celebrated Blitzbok career to a pivotal utility back, Gans has filled the gaps left by injuries and retirements within the squad, proving his worth across multiple positions.
With the Bulls facing a string of player setbacks including the likes of David Kriel and Sebastian de Klerk, plus the unexpected retirement of Jan Serfontein, Gans has stepped up to the plate. "I look at that responsibility [of filling multiple roles in the backline] as a privilege," Gans commented as he prepared for the upcoming clash against Benetton at Loftus Versfeld.
"You work hard to get yourself ready for opportunities like that. Obviously, you don’t want it to come through injury, but in rugby, it comes in a lot of different ways."
Now, with a broadened role, he is poised to make significant impacts wherever he plays.Despite the challenges of not being a fixture in one particular position, Gans remains optimistic and grateful for his situation at the Bulls. "It does get one down a bit," he admits, regarding the irregular playtime, "But for me, it is just about always remembering what a privilege it is to be part of a top system like this at the Bulls and to stay positive because your chance will come."
While traditionally an outside centre, Gans has also been making waves at inside centre, enjoying the increased involvement that comes with the territory. "I quite enjoy 12," he said. "You get your hands on the ball a bit more." When asked about his style compared to traditional South African inside centres like André Esterhuizen or Damian de Allende, Gans offered his philosophy:
"My interpretation is that a 12 must take the line forward, whether that’s by running over people, stepping or finding space."
Amid new signings and evolving team dynamics, Gans views competition for spots as a natural part of life at Loftus. "It’s like that every year," he reflects. "People change form, coaches think differently, and sometimes teams want to play a different way."
Off the field, Gans is not only an athlete but also a budding entrepreneur and student, engaging in industrial psychology studies, working within the Bulls’ commercial department, and running a coffee roastery business. He is keenly aware of the finite nature of a sports career, stating, "We all know the game stops at some point, so I’m trying to build things for the future as well."