The Vodacom Bulls named a squad of 37 players to assemble in early January in Pretoria for a training camp to be held at Sun City during the weekend of 10-12 January 2014.
The squad was named after three weeks of pre-season training at Loftus Versfeld in preparation of next year’s Vodacom Super Rugby season.
Despite losing a number of experienced players from their 2013 campaign to overseas clubs, the squad still consists of 14 Springboks and no less than eight players who have won the Super Rugby title with the Vodacom Bulls in the past.
In releasing the names Vodacom Bulls coach Frans Ludeke expressed satisfaction on the pre-season effort from the players.
“The guys work really hard over the last couple of weeks and I am happy with the progress we have made. We came up short in the semi-finals of the competition this year, so the squad is really determined to go one better next year,” Ludeke said.
“We have a good mix of experience and youth and I am looking forward to the contributions we can expect from our younger generation of players next year.”
Vodacom Bulls captain Pierre Spies praised the structures and culture of hard work at the franchise.
“It made it easy for the younger guys to fit in and we could start working toward our goals immediately. It was also very pleasing to see that the older players still have the desire to work hard, so I think we are in a good spot with regards to our preparation for next year. The guys will enjoy the short break before we join up again.”
The Bulls squad:
- Props: Morné Mellett, Dean Greyling, Frik Kirsten, Werner Kruger, Marcel van der Merwe
- Hookers: Callie Visagie, Bandise Maku, Bongi Mbonambi
- Locks: Flip van der Merwe, Paul Willemse, Grant Hattingh, David Bulbring
- Loose Forwards: Deon Stegman, Wiaan Liebenberg, Arno Botha, Jacques Engelbrecht, Jacques du Plessis, Pierre Spies, Jono Ross
- Scrumhalves: Francois Hougaard, Piet van Zyl, Rudy Paige
- Flyhalves: Louis Fouché, Handré Pollard
- Midfield: Jan Serfontein, Waylon Murray, JJ Engelbrecht, William Small-Smith
- Outside backs: Bjorn Basson, Akona Ndungane, Sampie Mastriet, Travis Ismaiel, Jurgen Visser, Jesse Kriel, Clayton Blommetjies
- Utility Backs: Ryan Nell, Ulrich Beyers
The Bulls also confirmed that Grant Hattingh and Jono Ross extended their contracts with the union till the end of October 2016.
Notable exclusions to the squad are Victor Matfield (although he’ll be there in coaching capacity) and Derick Hougaard.
I suppose I can lift the veil on Victor Matfield possibly returning to the field of play now, we were told Victor is / was waiting to hear if he would be given a SARU Bokke contract, before making a final decision on whether he would return to play in Super Rugby.
I did not count, but this size make sense. Build a strong team with these guys, let them do exactly what the coach want and play as a TEAM. And VIOLA we have a team that can grow. If there is any need go back to the structures and bring in a replacement. The new guy would flourish in a settled TEAM ENVIRONMENT.
So let this guys surf, gamble and train, we can build a team one day that would dominate the Springbok run on team again.
my dark horse for next years Super rugby player of the year is……
Louis Fouché
I hope the best for him and the Bulls
Remember what everyone had to say about Liefling &
remember how Morne was held back by HM when Liefling did his own thing
This guy will be the next big thing.
Thats my view, and i can be horribly wrong , but i am willing to bet a case of beer that he will make it…
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