Latest news with #CarlingCurrieCup
IOL News
3 hours ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Western Province aims to reclaim Currie Cup glory without their top players
Brok Harris will be in the coaching box when WP face the Bulls in their Currie Cup opener on Saturday in Cape Town. Image: BackpagePix Western Province is dead-set on righting the wrongs of last season's Currie Cup as they look to establish a more settled squad throughout the tournament this year. Their senior United Rugby Championship (URC) players won't be involved in the competition as they start preparations for the new European season. Still, the Cape side will look for a settled squad that can take them far in the competition after limited success last year that had supporters in the Mother City worried. A marker will be laid on Saturday and the coaches will see exactly where the team is when they face the Bulls at the DHL Stadium in the Currie Cup opener. Plenty of hard work being put in in by the DHL WP coaches and their extended squad as we keep building towards the Carling Currie Cup. 🔵⚪️ #wpjoulekkerding — WP RUGBY (@WP_RUGBY) July 3, 2025 Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Forwards coach Brok Harris confirmed they will not have players going in and out of the team, while they've also tapped into the WP club rugby system to test some promising amateur players. Those players will be committed to WP for the duration of the competition. 'The club players we identified will be part of the entire campaign; it won't be a thing of in and out or a two-week kind of thing,' according to Harris. 'They've worked hard and have been pushing even for guys who don't have a contract. There is a possibility for them to play for contracts even. There is a lot at stake. We have the likes of Carlo van Greunen (a lock from Paarl), Brendan Venter and Erhard Lambrecht (both Helderberg), and De Wet Marais.' The Carling #CurrieCup wall of champions keeps changing. Four years. Four different winners. Who claims it in 2025?#WhereChampionsRise | #PremierRugbyRealPassion — The Carling Currie Cup (@TheCurrieCup) July 21, 2025 Harris added that they are bracing for a massive game against the Bulls. Of course, he will be in the coaching box this time, but he recalled his debut in the North-South derby back in 2006. 'You think inter-varsity is big, but then you get to the North-South derby in the Currie Cup, and you find you don't get bigger than that. It was next level. For these guys, it will be a great experience. 'It will be challenging playing against old Stormers like Nama Xaba (Bulls captain), Junior (Pokomela, flanker), Marvin (Orie, lock), and Lizo (Gqoboka, prop). There are a couple of them who have been in our environment. However, we can only control what we can and stick to what we've been training. 'We look forward to the challenge they will bring. This season, we will keep on fighting for the jersey, whatever comes our way. We will go out there and give it our best.'
The South African
09-07-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Bulls announce influx of new players, including THREE Springboks
Following the departure of Director of Rugby Jake White, the Vodacom Bulls are undergoing major structural and squad changes ahead of the new season. While the search for a new head coach is ongoing, the Pretoria-based franchise has wasted no time reinforcing their playing roster. In a bold statement of intent, the Bulls have confirmed several high-profile signings – including Springbok stars and returning club legends – who will bolster the team through the 2025/26 and 2027/28 seasons. Below is a full breakdown of the key players joining the Bulls in July, each bringing international experience, leadership, and competitive edge. Former Springbok centre Jan Serfontein has signed a three-year contract with the Bulls, marking his return to Pretoria from Montpellier. Serfontein earned 48 Bulls caps before leaving in 2017 and went on to make 147 appearances in France's Top 14 league. He scored 15 tries from 45 starts during his initial stint with the Bulls, proving himself a consistent attacking threat. Serfontein, a Grey College product, rejoined the team on July 1 and will remain under contract through the 2027/28 season. His return adds depth and international experience to a growing Bulls backline aiming to compete across multiple competitions. Springbok wing Kurt-Lee Arendse will return to the Bulls after completing his international commitments in the Rugby Championship this August. Arendse had spent his recent sabbatical playing for the Sagamihara Dynaboars in Japan's competitive League One tournament. The electric speedster returned to Loftus Versfeld recently, scoring a stunning long-range try for the Springboks in front of home fans. He remains one of the most dynamic backs in South African rugby, capable of changing games with moments of individual brilliance. Arendse's return adds more firepower to an already explosive Bulls backline heading into the latter part of the 2025 season. Springbok lock Marvin Orie has returned to the Vodacom Bulls on a season-long deal beginning with the Carling Currie Cup. Orie joins from French club Perpignan, where he earned 29 caps over two seasons in the Top 14 competition. The 2023 World Cup winner previously represented the Bulls, Lions, Ospreys, and Stormers before moving to France in 2022. He originally earned 10 caps for the Bulls earlier in his career, showing familiarity with the Loftus environment and culture. Orie arrived in the capital at the start of July and strengthens the Bulls' second-row options with physicality and experience. Lock Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg has signed with the Bulls until June 2027 after leaving Montpellier Hérault Rugby in France. He previously played for the Bulls before departing in 2016, and he now returns with 174 caps of European experience. During his time in France, Janse van Rensburg won both the EPCR Challenge Cup and the French Top 14 title. His career includes appearances in Super Rugby, Carling Currie Cup, and both EPCR and Champions Cup competitions. The former Affies student officially rejoined the Bulls on July 1, boosting the squad's experience and depth in the second row. Scrumhalf Paul de Wet has joined the Bulls on a short-term contract after a long stint with the Cape Town-based Stormers. De Wet, who joined the Stormers in 2017/18, made over 80 appearances across four major competitions in seven seasons. His arrival in Pretoria came at the beginning of July, signaling a new chapter for the Vodacom United Rugby Championship winners. De Wet will remain with the Bulls until the conclusion of the 2025/26 season, bringing experience and tactical sharpness to Loftus. He has played in the Investec Champions Cup, VURC, Rainbow Cup SA, and Super Rugby, proving his value in top-tier competitions. Jeandré Rudolph has officially signed a short-term deal with the Vodacom Bulls starting from July through the 2025/26 season. The Roodepoort-born loose forward joins the Bulls after making 74 appearances in the judicial capital with consistent, high-energy performances. Rudolph, known for his relentless work ethic, has earned the nickname 'diesel-powered workhorse' from teammates and coaching staff alike. He arrives at Loftus Versfeld as a 2023 Carling Currie Cup champion and a respected leader on and off the field. Rudolph has gained experience across Super Rugby, EPCR Challenge Cup, Vodacom URC, and Carling Currie Cup competitions throughout his career. He also captained Oakdale Agricultural High School to their first Varsity Cup title, showing early leadership qualities and on-field discipline. DO YOU THINK THE BULLS WILL WIN THE URC TITLE SOON? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The 42
04-07-2025
- Sport
- The 42
'You win some, you lose some' - Jake White leaves Bulls by mutual agreement
JAKE WHITE, The Bulls' director of rugby, has left the South African club. The decision comes following an end of year review where it was 'mutually agreed' that White and the club would part ways immediately. White took up the job in 2020 and won back-to-back championships in Super Rugby Unlocked and the Carling Currie Cup that same season. Advertisement The 61-year-old's tenure also saw the Bulls reach three URC finals and achieve knockout appearances in both the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup. White said his decision was based on a desire for the team to find a 'new voice'. 'I have made the decision to move on,' he said. 'With many years' coaching experience, I felt it would be difficult to get the squad to perform to the next level. Therefore, in the best interest of both myself and the Bulls I feel it's time for a new chapter. It's time for this group to have a new voice. 'I have enjoyed my time in Pretoria. I met some wonderful friends. I believe that rugby is like life – you win some, you lose some. You learn as you grow. You need to be strong and courageous and, most importantly, it isn't always fair.' Leinster beat the Bulls convincingly last month in the URC final, 32-7, at Croke Park. The Bulls knocked Leinster out at the semi-final stage of the competition twice (2022 and 2024). There have been reports in South Africa of a rift between the former Springboks head coach and some of the Bulls senior players this year.
Irish Examiner
04-07-2025
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Jake White and Bulls have parted ways by mutual agreement
Vodacom Bulls and Director of Rugby Jake White have parted ways by mutual agreement effective immediately following an end of season review. White arrived in Loftus Versfeld in 2020 and made a quick impact securing back-to-back championships in Super Rugby Unlocked and the Carling Currie Cup in the same season. During his reign the Bulls reached three URC Grand finals and made knockout appearances in both the Investec Champions Cup and the EPCR Challenge Cup. The Bulls lost the URC final to Leinster last month 32-7 at Croke Park. They knocked Leinster out twice at the semi-final stages of the URC in 2022 and 2024. The 61-year-old believes that it is time for the team to "have a new voice". 'I have made the decision to move on" said White. "With many years' coaching experience, I felt it would be difficult to get the squad to perform to the next level. Therefore, in the best interest of both myself and the Bulls I feel it's time for a new chapter. It's time for this group to have a new voice. The Vodacom Bulls and Director of Rugby, Jake White, have mutually agreed to part ways at the end of June 2025 following a season review. Since joining in 2022, White delivered back-to-back titles in Super Rugby Unlocked and the Carling Currie Cup, and led the Vodacom Bulls to… — Official Blue Bulls (@BlueBullsRugby) July 4, 2025 'I have enjoyed my time in Pretoria. I met some wonderful friends. I believe that rugby is like life – you win some you lose some. You learn as you grow. You need to be strong and courageous and, most importantly, it isn't always fair. 'I would like to thank all the loyal supporters, the Bulls staff that worked tirelessly, and to the players for their hard work and dedication. "I wish BBRU president Willem Strauss and the amateur game lots of success in the future. To the shareholders, I will always be grateful for all the support and financial backing they gave, far and beyond any other club. Thank you for the privilege. "To the Board for their support and CEO, Edgar Rathbone, coaches and management, it was great to be part of this winning culture. To be part of Bulls rugby history has been an absolute honour. I wish Bulls rugby all the best. Hou die blou bo!'
The Citizen
04-07-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Jake White's era at Loftus Versfeld officially over
Five years after former Springbok coach and World Cup winner Jake White was appointed as the Bulls' Director of Rugby in the midst of the Covid lockdown, his era at the helm of rugby affairs at Loftus Versfeld has officially – and suddenly – come to an end. The Blue Bulls Company (BBCo) officially confirmed on Friday afternoon that a joint agreement had been reached that White would vacate his office and leave the company's service. The full statement reads as follows: 'Following a thorough end-of-season review, the Vodacom Bulls and Director of Rugby Jake White have mutually agreed to part ways effective immediately. 'White, who arrived at Loftus Versfeld in 2020, quickly made an impact, securing back-to back championships in Super Rugby Unlocked and the Carling Currie Cup that same season. His tenure also saw the Bulls reach three Vodacom United Rugby Championship Grand Finals and achieve knockout appearances in both the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup. 'Edgar Rathbone, CEO of BBCo, acknowledged White's significant contributions: ''Jake has tremendous rugby IP, and that has been visible in the way he was able to transfer it into our structures and as a club we remain grateful for those contributions made during his tenure. He did amazing work here and it was a privilege to work with him as he helped our team become a superpower again. He has given us a great platform to build upon with a talented crop of young players who are just finding their true offering. He also helped the bigger playing group develop, with 10 emerging to play for the Springboks. This encouraging growth also ensured we were often in the mix for silverware', Rathbone commented. 'Club president Willem Strauss thanked White for his openness and contributions, especially at the grassroots level: ''On behalf of the club, the supporters, the staff and all our shareholders, I would like to thank Jake for the work he has done, the love and passion he has shown to our players, people and community during his time with us. His leadership has left a fantastic mark on our club, and the way he fought to get us up when we needed it the most will make him a hero of ours for a long time to come. He leaves the club in a better place than when he arrived. ''During his rugby directorship, he helped elevate our grassroots game in the manner that he devised our integration strategy between the high-performance environment and our club ecosystem. ''We are extremely grateful to Jake for his commitment and contribution during his five years at the club,' Strauss remarked. Having consulted with the shareholders, White himself stated his decision was based on a desire for the team to find a new voice: ''I have made the decision to move on. With many years' coaching experience, I felt it would be difficult to get the squad to perform to the next level. Therefore, in the best interest of both myself and the Bulls I feel it's time for a new chapter. It's time for this group to have a new voice. ''I have enjoyed my time in Pretoria. I met some wonderful friends. I believe that rugby is like life – you win some you lose some. You learn as you grow. You need to be strong and courageous and, most importantly, it isn't always fair. ''I would like to thank all the loyal supporters, the Bulls staff that worked tirelessly, and to the players for their hard work and dedication. I wish BBRU President Willem Strauss and the amateur game lots of success in the future. To the shareholders, I will always be grateful for all the support and financial backing they gave, far and beyond any other club. Thank you for the privilege. To the Board for their support and CEO, Edgar Rathbone, coaches and management, it was great to be part of this winning culture. To be part of Bulls rugby history has been an absolute honour. I wish Bulls rugby all the best. Hou die Blou bo!' White concluded. Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to [email protected] or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
