In a decisive move, the Vodacom Bulls have chosen not to seek a replacement for the towering lock, Ruan Nortjé, who is set to depart for Japan at season's end. The 27-year-old, a stalwart of 18 Test caps since his debut in 2022, will be joining Frans Ludeke at Kubota Spears. A Pretoria native, Nortjé has been an integral part of the Bulls since his days in the youth ranks, captaining the team to consecutive URC finals in recent years.
Despite the loss of such a key player, Bulls' coach Johan Ackermann is confident in the depth they possess in the lock position. Ackermann has put his faith in the younger talents to fill the void. "You lose experience and leadership with Ruan’s departure," Ackermann shared with Rapport, highlighting the inevitable gap Nortjé will leave.
"I think we have good depth at lock in JF, Reinhardt, and Nicolaas,"
Ackermann said, emphasizing the potential of JF van Heerden, Reinhardt Ludwig, and Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg. With a mix of youth and experience, these players are expected to step up in the absence of Nortjé. Nicolaas brings a wealth of international experience, while both JF and Reinhardt have shown their capabilities in the URC.
The versatility of the squad is also a strength, as Ackermann noted: "We selected Reinhardt at five lock earlier this year when Ruan was unavailable. He also has the ability to play seven flank." This flexibility could prove vital as the Bulls look to maintain their competitive edge.
Sintu Manjezi, a seasoned player with stints at the Cheetahs and Glasgow Warriors, further bolsters the lock stocks, ensuring the Bulls remain formidable in their upcoming campaigns.
Ackermann stressed the importance of seizing opportunities. "Each of the players knows what they need to work on to make use of new opportunities," he stated, underlining the proactive approach needed from his players.
As the Bulls prepare for life post-Nortjé, the spotlight turns to their emerging locks, tasked with carrying the legacy forward. The blend of seasoned campaigners and promising talent at Loftus Versfeld suggests that the Bulls' future, at least in the lock department, remains in robust hands.
