Bulls Just Looted The Market For 6 Superstars
The Vodacom Bulls confirmed a massive recruitment drive today, signing former Springbok Curwin Bosch and former Junior Bok captain Hanro Liebenberg.
The Pretoria franchise secured elite talent across the backline and front row to bolster their 2026/27 championship ambitions.
In a consolidated announcement on Monday, the Pretoria-based franchise confirmed the acquisition of several top-tier talents and rising stars following what it described as a rigorous scouting and assessment process designed to bolster key positions.
The headline signing is former Springbok flyhalf Curwin Bosch, who joins from France on a three-year deal starting in July. Bosch brings elite tactical kicking and goal-kicking pedigree to Loftus Versfeld. He will be joined by the electric Thaakir Abrahams, who returns to South Africa from Munster on a two-year contract, offering dangerous attacking options at wing and fullback.
The Vodacom Bulls have also secured one of the country’s most exciting young prospects in 19-year-old Luan Giliomee. Despite making a standout Vodacom URC debut at fullback for the Sharks earlier this year, Giliomee is a specialist flyhalf and has signed a three-year deal. His versatility and composure are expected to provide valuable depth in the pivot position.
Further strengthening the backline is former Junior Bok and Paarl Boys’ High fullback Hakeem Kunene, who has signed a three-year contract. The Bulls have also added wing Dylan Maart from Griquas and Pumas outside centre Sango Xamlashe on two-year deals. Both players will join the squad following the conclusion of the Currie Cup.
The Bulls’ commitment to physical dominance is evident in the signing of Mawande Ndanda. The 132kg tighthead prop, a Maritzburg College product, arrives from the Sharks in July on a two-year contract and is expected to add significant power to the front row.
In another major long-term boost, the franchise previously confirmed that former Junior Springbok captain Hanro Liebenberg will return to Pretoria ahead of the 2026/27 season on a three-year deal. Liebenberg’s leadership and proven work rate in the loose trio are viewed as key components of the Vodacom Bulls’ future championship ambitions.
Blue Bulls Company CEO Edgar Rathbone emphasised that the signings are part of a calculated strategy to ensure the franchise remains competitive at the highest level.
“We have been very deliberate in our recruitment process, identifying specific areas where we felt we needed to strengthen our depth and experience,” he said.
“Bringing in players of this calibre, ranging from proven match-winners to some of the most exciting young talent in the country, is a clear statement of intent. We are building a squad capable of sustained success in both the Vodacom URC and Europe, and we are thrilled to welcome these players to the Loftus family.”
Additionally, several junior-to-senior contract extensions were confirmed, including Jean Erasmus (tighthead prop, three years), Heinrich Theron (lock, three years), JJ Theron (loose forward, two years), Pieter van der Merwe (centre, three years), and Demetri Erasmus (centre, three years).
