The Vodacom Bulls have named a formidable squad for the start of the 2025-26 Investec Champions Cup featuring a full compliment of Springboks and a few new signings.
It’s a clear signal of intent from coach Johan Ackermann as his side set their sights on going deep into both the Vodacom URC and the Champions Cup competitions this season.
When they kick off at Loftus Versfeld against reigning champions Bordeaux Bègles, the Bulls will do so with real depth, experience and plenty of firepower: a squad that includes 18 Springboks, notably the likes of Handre Pollard, Wilco Louw and Ruan Nortje, bolstering a pack already feared for its physical presence.
But first, the Bulls get back into URC mode as they welcome the Lions to Pretoria for the Jukskei derby on Saturday.
MORE: ‘Bulls want to win Champions Cup’
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.
Photo: ©INPHO/James Crombie
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