Boks Duo Return To Give Bulls Welcome Boost
The Vodacom Bulls received some welcome news amidst their tumultuous season as Rugby World Cup-winning Springboks Canan Moodie and Kurt-Lee Arendse returned to the side following a stint on the sidelines due to concussion protocols.
The duo were named among 15 Springboks for the Bulls’ crucial encounters against Pau on Friday night in the Investec Champions Cup before the touring squad moves to Edinburgh the following week for a Vodacom United Rugby Championship fixture.
Arendse has been on the sidelines since the Springboks end of end-of-year tour in November, while Moodie returned but suffered a concussion in last week’s encounter against the Stormers.
SA under-20 star Cheswill Jooste will also be travelling and is available for both fixtures, while veteran Marcell Coetzee has overcome a rib injury to make his return to the squad.
Adversely, Gerhard Steenekamp misses the tour due to injury, while Cameron Hanekom continues his rehabilitation from a knee injury.
Despite naming a squad with an array of Springboks, the Bulls know an almighty task awaits them against Pau, who occupy second spot in the Top 14 and beat Scarlets away last weekend.
Edinburgh lie one spot ahead of the Bulls in the URC as 10th plays 11th with just one point separating the sides on the table.
Coach Johan Ackermann will be desperate to pick up their next victory as the Bulls are on a seven-match losing streak in all competitions, including a 61- 49 loss to Bristol Bears this past weekend’s Champions Cup, with their last victory coming against Connacht on 17 October 2025.
