The Bulls have named 12 Springboks in their final 46-man Super Rugby squad for 2017.
Adriaan Strauss, who retired from international rugby at the end of last year, will again lead the side, although he is set to miss the start of the season as he continues his recovery from back surgery. Handré Pollard will take the captaincy reins until his return.
Johnny Kotze, Conraad van Vuuren and Jacques Potgieter are the new signings for the Bulls, with Potgieter one of 12 Boks in the squad, while Namibian international, Renaldo Bothma, adds further experience.
Strauss (132 matches) is by far the most experienced player in the squad, with Trevor Nyakane (70), and Piet van Zyl (68) the only other players past 50 caps. Jan Serfontein (48) and Arno Botha (46) could pass that milestone soon, while a number of new faces could debut in 2017.
Luther Obi, Jade Stighling, JT Jackson, Tony Jantjies, Duncan Matthews, Kefentse Mahlo, Sibahle Maxwane and André Warner are the backs that could make their first Super Rugby appearances, while forwards Shaun Adendorff, Ruan Steenkamp, Conraad van Vuuren, John-Roy Jenkinson and Corniel Els could also feature in the competition for the first time. Prop Martin Dreyer did play for the Stormers in previous seasons, but has not yet played for the Bulls in the competition.
