Springbok centre Jan Serfontein says he is eager to add value as the Vodacom Bulls chase their first URC title.
The 32-year-old has returned to Loftus Versfeld after eight years in France with Montpellier, where he won the Top 14 title in 2021-22 and the Challenge Cup in 2020-21.
Before that, Serfontein experienced Super Rugby with the Bulls and was part of the side that lost a semi-final to the Brumbies in 2013. He earned 35 Test caps for the Boks from 2013 to 2017.
“It’s great to be back in Pretoria and back at Loftus,” he told the URC website. “I spent six years here when I was straight out of school, so I have very good memories from here. I loved the time in France, but I was always going to come back to play in South Africa.”
While acknowledging the physical demands of French rugby, the midfielder is relishing the chance to test himself in a new competition.
“The Top 14 is a tough competition and highly competitive. It’s very physical,” he explained. “So I’m really looking forward to the URC as a new competition and new challenge for me. I’ve still got a few good years left in me and believe I can add a lot of value.
“This Bulls team has come so close to winning this title and it would be great to be a part of that when it happens. I definitely believe we have the team to do it.”
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Having completed pre-season, Serfontein says the squad is well-prepared for the campaign ahead.
“We’ve trained hard and I think the whole team is excited for the season to kick off [against the Ospreys at Loftus on Saturday]. We feel we’re ready.
“Coach Johan Ackermann has created a great environment for us to perform. He’s got a very clear vision of where he wants to take this team and how to get there. There is a healthy high-performance culture here.”
He also praised the strength in depth at Loftus, pointing to the competition for places across the squad.
“We have two or three players in every position who on any weekend could pull on the jersey and do the job. It’s very healthy competition, and it’s exciting because it’s an indication of what this team is capable of.”
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Photo: Vodacom Bulls/Facebook
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