Nollis Marais will coach the Blue Bulls in this year's Currie Cup Premier Division.

According to the Blue Bulls Company, this is to ensure continuity in the playing squad, with almost 90% of them having been part of the Bulls' Super Rugby squad coached by Marais.

'It just makes sense for him to continue with the group of players who are developing so nicely under his guidance,' said BBC CEO Barend van Graan.

The position of Hendré Marnitz, who coached the team in the Currie Cup Qualifiers, will be confirmed later in the week once Marais' full management team has been finalised. However, Van Graan made it clear that Marnitz will stay in the BBC coaching structures.

'The call to continue with Nollis in the Currie Cup was made for rugby reasons and is not a reflection on Hendré's abilities. The progress and growth shown by the team under Nollis is something we want to expand and grow, hence the decision.'

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