In the latest issue of SA Rugby magazine, now on sale, we investigate how the Vodacom Bulls were able to pull off a season of success.
At senior level, the Pretoria-based side banked both trophies on offer (Super Rugby Unlocked and the Currie Cup), while their U21 team claimed the age-group championship in October. Even the silverware from the U19 championship still resides in a rather full trophy cabinet.
A hard-fought victory in the Currie Cup final was undoubtedly a fair result for a team that consistently led the way throughout the new-look domestic season.
Once again, Jake White proved himself to be a master at coming in, shaking up the status quo and quickly building a winning team. In Edgar Rathbone, the Bulls also have a highly rated young CEO who has added much-needed expertise to a now well-managed and well-funded franchise.
With all this in mind, this issue’s cover feature unpacks the Bulls’ revival, the role played by White as well as team psychologist Henning Gericke, while looking at the future prospects for a team that is now back to title-winning ways.
You can also find comprehensive reviews of each team performance from an extraordinary domestic competition, while there is a detailed investigation into the significant private investment deal that has been completed at the Sharks.
Elsewhere, we look at several older-generation players who have made a big impact in South African rugby, and don’t miss our interesting chat with former Springbok superstar Schalk Burger, who has found a new vocation as a TV analyst.
We also cast an eye over the benefits of local teams heading into a new-look PRO16 competition, and hear from fans in the northern hemisphere to find out about their expectations of South Africa’s leading teams.
There’s all this and much more in our latest issue. Enjoy the read, and stay safe!
– Craig Lewis
