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Bulls (rugby union)

From Wikipedia - Reading time: 21 min
For other uses, see Bulls (disambiguation).
Not to be confused with Blue Bulls.

Bulls
UnionSouth African Rugby Union
Emblem(s)Barberton Daisy, Bull
Founded1938 (Northern Transvaal Rugby Union)
1997 (Bulls franchise)
LocationPretoria, South Africa
RegionGauteng
Ground(s)Loftus Versfeld Stadium (Capacity: 51,762)
Director of RugbyJake White
Coach(es)Jake White
Captain(s)Marcell Coetzee
Ruan Nortjé
Most appearancesMorné Steyn (144)
Top scorerMorné Steyn (1639)
Most triesBryan Habana (37)
League(s)United Rugby Championship
2022–23Quarter Finals
South African Shield: 2nd
(6th overall)
1st kit
2nd kit
Official website
bullsrugby.co.za

The Bulls (known for sponsorship reasons as the Vodacom Bulls) are a South African professional rugby union team based in Pretoria. They play their home matches at Loftus Versfeld. They compete in the United Rugby Championship, having competed in the Super Rugby competition until 2020. Prior to 1998, the Bulls competed in the then-Super 12 as Northern Transvaal, as in those years South Africa was represented in the competition by its top four Currie Cup sides from the previous season, instead of the modern Super Rugby teams.

The side won the Super 14 in 2007, 2009 and 2010, placing them among the most successful teams in Super Rugby history with three titles. They were the most successful team of the Super 14 era (2006–10), winning three out of the five titles. They are the most successful South African team, and the only South African team to win a Super Rugby title.

The Currie Cup team has been seen playing as the Bulls and not the Blue Bulls since the 2020-21 season. This is a move to rebrand all the teams under one name and not only the Bulls rebranded their Currie Cup name but the Sharks and Lions also modified their names. [1]

History

[edit]

Early history

[edit]

Prior to the professional Super Rugby competition, Northern Transvaal competed in the Super 10, which was a tournament featuring ten teams from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Tonga and Western Samoa, which ran from 1993 to 1995. The top three teams from the previous Currie Cup season qualified for each of the Super 10 tournaments.

Northern Transvaal competed in the 1993 season, where they were grouped in Pool B alongside Transvaal, New South Wales, North Harbour and Waikato. Transvaal finished at the top of the pool, with Northern Transvaal finishing third, behind New South Wales. Northern Transvaal did not qualify for the Super 10 (Southern Hemisphere competition)#1994 Super 10 or 1995 seasons.

Early Professional Era (1996–2005)

[edit]

After rugby union went professional, the Super 10 tournament was restructured. The Super 12 was created, and was to be competed by teams from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Both Australia and New Zealand adopted new franchise models for their teams, whereas South Africa chose to use the Currie Cup to decide what teams were to be promoted in the Super 12 each season.

Competing in the inaugural Super 12 season of 1996, Northern Transvaal were one of the 12 teams. The side won eight of their 11 games and finished third on the table – behind only Auckland and Queensland. Jannie Kruger finished the season in the top three leading point-scorers, behind only Matt Burke and John Eales. The side was however soundly defeated in a semi-final by the Auckland Blues, with the final score being 48 points to 11. The game was played at Eden Park in Auckland.

After their fairly successful performance in the opening competition, the subsequent competition of 1997 saw them with three wins and three draws from 11 games. They finished at eighth. Following the 1997 season, South Africa adopted a similar franchise system to that of Australia and New Zealand's, abolishing the Currie Cup promotion system in favour of creating new franchises. The Bulls were formed as one of the four new teams. They did not make the semis in the 1998 season. The Bulls were considered one of the worst teams in the Super 12 competition, finishing last or second to last for five consecutive seasons from 1998 to 2003. In 2002, they became the first team ever to go through an entire Super Rugby season without winning a single game. This record remained until the Lions repeated the feat during the 2010 season. After finishing fourth in the inaugural competition, they did not make the semis again until the years 2003.

The Bulls finished in 6th place in both 2003 and 2004, though still missing out on a finals position. They equalled there 1996 performance in 2005, although there was a very poor start to the season, it was followed by six straight wins to earn them a semi-final berth, where they were defeated by the New South Wales Waratahs. Bryan Habana finished in the top three try-scorers by the end of the season, and was short-listed for IRB player of the year.

Super 14 Era (2006–10)

[edit]
The Bulls playing the Western Force in Perth, Australia in 2006

In 2006, the Super 12 became the Super 14, with the addition of two new franchises, the Cheetahs and the Western Force. By the last round of the 2006 season, the Bulls, along with the Brumbies and Sharks were all in contention to take the fourth and final position on the ladder to make the semi-finals. After the Brumbies were defeated 33 to 3 by the Crusaders, the Bulls or Sharks could mathematically take the fourth spot. The Bulls defeated the Stormers at Newlands in Cape Town 43 points to 10, which ensured they went through to the semi-finals. The Bulls travelled to Christchurch where they were defeated 35 to 15 at Jade Stadium and knocked out of the finals.

The Bulls lost their first game of the 2007 Super 14 season, going down to the Sharks in Durban 17 points to 3. Entering week 14, the last round of the regular season, the Bulls were chasing an unlikely 72-point win over the Queensland Reds in order to move into second place and get a home semi-final.[1] At Loftus, the Bulls defeated the Reds 92 points to 3, with the 89-point margin of victory setting a new Super rugby record.[1] The Bulls ran in 13 tries with four players getting doubles and Derick Hougaard kicking 11 conversions. The Sharks finished first, so it became the first time that both home venues in the semi-finals was in South Africa.

The Bulls defeated the Crusaders in their semi-final by 27 points to 12, with Derick Hougaard kicking eight penalties and a drop-goal. The Sharks ensured a home-final in the 2007 Super 14-competition by defeating the Blues with a scoreline of 34–18.

When the Bulls met the Sharks in the Super 14 final at the Absa Stadium in Durban the match turned out to be a tight, nervous affair with the Bulls initially being guilty of indiscipline and making a lot of mistakes. The Sharks carried a 14–10 advantage into half-time after a JP Pietersen try cancelled out one from Pierre Spies. The second half of the match was just as nail-biting, with the Bulls gaining the ascendancy in the match, but failing to turn their rising amount of possession into points. A Derick Hougaard penalty closed the gap to 14–13, after which the Bulls made several onslaughts on the Sharks line, only to lose the ball at critical stages. Their match looked to be all but over for the Bulls when Albert van den Berg barged over the line for a Sharks try two minutes from full-time to stretch their lead to six points. However, François Steyn failed with the conversion attempt, and the Bulls restarted with barely seconds on the clock. After regaining the ball from the kick-off, play went through several phases before Bryan Habana received the ball on the right wing. He cut infield and scored the most dramatic of match winning tries, more than a minute after official play. The try was converted by Derick Hougaard and the Bulls won the match 20–19. In 2009 the Bulls again won the Super 14, defeating the Chiefs 61 – 17 in the final in Pretoria.

In 2010 the Bulls again finished top of the log by beating the Crusaders in a home semi final to secure a home final. Because the FIFA World Cup was being hosted by South Africa that year and Loftus was included as a venue, they had to play the semi and final in Soweto, a first in Super Rugby history. The Stormers had beaten the Waratahs at home and would face off with the Bulls in the Final. The Bulls won the final once again in dramatic style when Francois Hougaard sidestepped the Stormers fullback Joe Petersen to score an impressive try.

Super Rugby Era (2011–2020)

[edit]

The Bulls only managed the Super Rugby South African Conference trophy in 2013 and they were three time conference runner-up in 2012, 2014 and 2019. They also reached the Qualifiers twice and Semi-final once but lost all three play-off matches.

After the 2020 Super Rugby season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a replacement tournament was announced for each country. The South African tournament was called Super Rugby Unlocked and the Bulls were crowned the champions after ending top of the log.[2]

The South African teams withdrew from the competition entirely, making the Bulls the only South African winners of any form of the Super Rugby trophy.[3]

Pro14 and United Rugby Championship Era (2021–present)

[edit]

The Pro14 Rainbow Cup was announced as an end-of-season cup competition to introduce the South African teams after their withdrawal from Super Rugby. After the regular season the top of the South African log Bulls faced European top Benetton in the final in Italy. The Bulls lost their first match in Europe as well as the Pro14 Rainbow Cup final 35–8.[4]

The 2021–22 season was a tough start for the Bulls with two straight losses in Europe against Leinster 31-3 and Connacht 34–7. The Bulls got their first win in Europe on 9 October 2021 beating Cardiff Blues 29–19.[5]

They went on to finish in 4th place on the overall standings after regular season, securing a home quarter-final.

Location

[edit]
Bulletjie, the Blue Bulls mascot

The team is centred around the Blue Bulls Rugby Union, whose catchment covers Pretoria as well as Limpopo, but also draws players from the Falcons Rugby Union, who represent the East Rand. Through 2005, the Bulls also drew players from the Pumas Rugby Union and Leopards Rugby Union, but in the realignment of franchise areas that came from the expansion of Super 12 to Super 14, these unions were moved into the Lions.

Stadium

[edit]

The Bulls play all their home matches at the Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria, which is also the home of the Blue Bulls during the Currie Cup season. The stadium is also a regular host for Springboks Test matches, and was a venue during the 1995 Rugby World Cup which South Africa hosted. Loftus was a venue for Pool D matches including France v Tonga, Scotland v Tonga and France v Scotland. Loftus was also used twice during the finals stages – for the New Zealand v Scotland quarter-final and the England v France third place play-off.

The ground has been used for rugby since 1908, and in 1932 the stadium was renamed to Loftus Versfeld in honor of Robert Owen Loftus Versfeld, the founder of organized rugby in Pretoria.[6][7] The stadium has undergone numerous renovations over the years, and is currently capable of holding 51,762 spectators.

Primary sponsor

[edit]

Since 2005, the team's main sponsor has been mobile communications company Vodacom.[8] On the team's website and all team-issued press releases, the Bulls are referred to as the Vodacom Bulls.

Current squad

[edit]
For player movements before or during the 2024–25 season, see List of 2024–25 United Rugby Championship transfers § Bulls.

The Bulls squad for the 2024–25 United Rugby Championship is.

Bulls United Rugby Championship squad

Props

Hookers

Locks

Loose forwards

Scrum-halves

Fly-halves

Centres

Outside backs

(cx) Denotes team co-captains, Bold denotes internationally capped, ST denotes a short-term signing.

Coaches

[edit]

Captains

[edit]

Statistics

[edit]

Results by opponent in European competitions

[edit]

The results for the Bulls vs different opponents in European competitions

URC, Rainbow Cup, European Rugby Champions Cup
Opposition Span Played Won Drawn Lost Win% Points for PPM Aga Best score Worst score 40–49 points 50+ points
South Africa Lions 2021–2024 8 6 0 2 75.00% 221 27.63 148 34–10 (2021–22) 34–33 (2021) 0 0
South Africa Stormers 2021–2024 10 3 0 7 30.00% 234 23.40 251 40–22 (2023–24) 37–27 (2022–23) 1 0
South Africa Sharks 2021–2024 9 6 0 3 66.67% 275 30.56 215 44–10 (2023–24) 47–20 (2022–23) 3 0
Italy Benetton 2021–2024 5 4 0 1 80.00% 184 36.80 144 56–35 (2023–24) 35–8 (2021) Final 2 1
Ireland Leinster 2021–2024 5 3 0 2 60.00% 131 26.20 131 62–7 (2022–23) 47–14 (2023–24) 0 1
Ireland Connacht 2021–2023 3 2 0 1 66.67% 88 29.33 75 53–27 (2023–24) 34–7 (2021–22) 0 1
Wales Cardiff 2021–2023 3 3 0 0 100.00% 92 30.67 40 45–9 (2022–23) 19–29 (2021–22) 1 0
Scotland Edinburgh 2021–2024 4 2 0 2 50.00% 88 22.00 95 33–31 (2022–23) 31–23 (2023–24) 0 0
Italy Zebre Parma 2022–2023 3 3 0 0 100.00% 177 59.00 48 78–12 (2022–23) 29–54 (2023–24) 1 2
Ireland Munster 2022–2024 3 1 0 2 33.33% 68 22.67 82 29–24 (2021–22) 31–17 (2021–22) 0 0
Wales Scarlets 2022–2023 3 2 0 1 66.67% 148 49.33 70 63–21 (2023–24) 37–28 (2022–23) 0 2
Wales Dragons 2022–2024 3 3 0 0 100.00% 115 38.33 44 55–20 (2021–22) 20–55 (2021–22) 0 1
Ireland Ulster 2022–2024 4 2 0 2 50.00% 123 30.75 95 47–21 (2024–25) 32–23 (2022–23) 1 0
Scotland Glasgow Warriors 2022–2024 4 2 0 2 50.00% 106 26.50 107 40–34 (2023–24) 35–21 (2021–22) 1 0
Wales Ospreys 2022–2024 4 4 0 0 100.00% 171 42.75 100 61–24 (2023–24) 31–38 (2021–22) 1 1
France Lyon 2022–2024 4 2 0 2 50.00% 136 34.00 115 59–19 (2023–24) 36–42 (2022–23) 1 1
England Exeter Chiefs 2022–2023 2 1 0 1 50.00% 53 26.50 72 39–28 (2022–23) 44–14 (2022–23) 0 0
France Toulouse 2023–2023 1 0 0 1 0.00% 9 9.00 33 9–33 (2022–23) 33–9 (2022–23) 0 0
England Saracens 2023–2023 1 1 0 0 100.00% 27 27.00 16 27–16 (2023–24) 16–27 (2023–24) 0 0
England Bristol Bears 2024–2024 1 1 0 0 100.00% 31 31.00 17 31–17 (2023–24) 17–31 (2023–24) 0 0
France Bordeaux 2024–2024 1 1 0 0 100.00% 46 46.00 40 46–40 (2023–24) 40–46 (2023–24) 1 0
England Northampton Saints 2024–2024 1 0 0 1 0.00% 22 22.00 59 22–59 (2023–24) 59–22 (2023–24) 0 0
Overall 2021–2024 82 52 0 30 63.41 2545 31.04 1997 78–12 vs Zebre (2022–23) 59–22 vs Northampton Saints (2023–24) 13 10
  • All these stats include playoff matches (qualifiers, semi-finals and finals)
  • United Rugby Championship fixtures added 2021–22 – 2024–25 (round 4)
  • European Rugby Champions Cup fixtures added 2022–23 - 2023–24
  • 2021 Pro14 Rainbow Cup included.
  • Correct as of 13 October 2024

Overall results by opponent in all competitions

[edit]

The complete results for the Bulls vs different opponents in all competitions

Super Rugby, Super Rugby Unlocked, Preparation Series, Pro14 Rainbow Cup, United Rugby Championship, European Rugby Champions Cup, Toyota Challenge
Opposition Span Played Won Drawn Lost Win% Points for PPM Aga Best score Worst score 40–49 points 50+ points
South Africa Sharks 1996–2024 44 27 3 14 61.36% 1045 23.75 959 44–10 (2023–24) URC 47–20 (2022–23) URC 6 0
Australia Waratahs 1996–2019 22 12 0 10 54.55% 506 23.00 609 48–38 (2010) Super Rugby 53–7 (2001) Super Rugby 1 0
New Zealand Highlanders 1996–2020 23 7 2 14 30.43% 568 24.70 644 59–29 (1996) Super Rugby 65–23 (1999) Super Rugby 2 2
Australia Reds 1996–2020 23 10 0 13 43.48% 614 26.70 521 92–3 (2007) Super Rugby 48–12 (2002) Super Rugby 2 2
New Zealand Crusaders 1996–2019 27 10 0 17 37.04% 626 23.19 909 40–35 (2010) Super Rugby 75–27 (2000) Super Rugby 1 0
New Zealand Blues 1996–2020 23 7 2 14 30.43% 588 25.57 759 59–26 (2009) Super Rugby 65–24 (2002) Super Rugby 2 1
New Zealand Chiefs 1996–2019 23 8 2 13 34.78% 636 27.65 745 61–17 (2009) Super Rugby Final 53–24 (2002) Super Rugby 1 1
South Africa Lions 1996–2024 38 24 1 13 63.16% 1088 28.63 966 62–52 (2004) Super Rugby 57–24 (1999) Super Rugby 2 2
New Zealand Hurricanes 1996–2019 22 10 0 12 45.45% 567 25.77 602 48–14 (2013) Super Rugby 64–32 (1997) Super Rugby 4 0
Australia Brumbies 1996–2019 23 8 0 15 34.78% 568 24.70 672 50–32 (2010) Super Rugby 73–9 (1999) Super Rugby 1 1
South Africa Stormers 1996–2024 46 18 1 27 39.13% 1070 23.26 1029 75–14 (2005) Super Rugby 42–19 (1999) Super Rugby 4 1
South Africa Cheetahs 1997–2022 22 16 0 6 72.73% 669 30.41 496 60–20 (2008) Super Rugby 42–29 (2015) Super Rugby 2 3
Australia Force 2006–2016 10 6 0 4 60.00% 264 26.40 221 42–20 (2016) Super Rugby 30–27 (2007) Super Rugby 1 0
Australia Rebels 2011–2019 7 6 0 1 85.71% 253 36.14 125 47–10 (2011) Super Rugby 35–41 (2012) Super Rugby 4 0
South Africa Southern Kings 2013–2017 4 3 0 1 75.00% 150 37.50 55 48–18 (2013) Super Rugby 31–30 (2017) Super Rugby 1 0
Japan Sunwolves 2016–2018 5 3 0 2 60.00% 171 34.20 114 50–3 (2016) Super Rugby 42–37 (2018) Super Rugby 0 1
Argentina Jaguares 2016–2020 7 2 0 5 28.57% 160 22.86 218 43–34 (2018) Super Rugby 54–25 (2018) Super Rugby 1 0
South Africa Griquas 2020–2020 1 1 0 0 100.00% 30 30.00 23 30–23 (2020) Super Rugby Unlocked 23–30 (2020) Super Rugby Unlocked 0 0
South Africa Pumas 2020–2021 2 2 0 0 100.00% 69 34.50 36 48–31 (2020) Preparation Series 31–48 (2020) Preparation Series 1 0
South Africa Eastern Province Elephants 2021–2021 1 1 0 0 100.00% 87 87.00 10 87–10 (2021) Preparation Series 10–87 (2021) Preparation Series 0 1
Italy Benetton 2021–2024 5 4 0 1 80.00% 184 36.80 144 56–35 (2023–24) URC 35–8 (2021) Rainbow Cup Final 2 1
Ireland Leinster 2021–2024 5 3 0 2 60.00% 131 26.20 131 62–7 (2022–23) URC 47–14 (2023–24) URC 0 1
Ireland Connacht 2021–2023 3 2 0 1 66.67% 88 29.33 75 53–27 (2023–24) URC 34–7 (2021–22) URC 0 1
Wales Cardiff 2021–2023 3 3 0 0 100.00% 92 30.67 40 45–9 (2022–23) URC 19–29 (2021–22) URC 1 0
Scotland Edinburgh 2021–2024 4 2 0 3 50.00% 88 22.00 95 33–31 (2022–23) URC 31–23 (2023–24) URC 0 0
Italy Zebre Parma 2022–2023 3 3 0 0 100.00% 177 59.00 48 78–12 (2022–23) URC 29–54 (2023–24) URC 1 2
Ireland Munster 2022–2024 3 1 0 2 33.33% 68 22.67 82 29–24 (2021–22) URC 31–17 (2022–23) URC 0 0
Wales Scarlets 2022–2023 3 2 0 1 66.67% 148 49.33 70 63–21 (2023–24) URC 37–28 (2022–23) URC 0 2
Wales Dragons 2022–2024 3 3 0 0 100.00% 115 38.33 44 55–20 (2021–22) URC 20–55 (2021–22) URC 0 1
Ireland Ulster 2022–2024 4 2 0 2 50.00% 123 30.75 95 47–21 (2024–25) URC 32–23 (2022–23) URC 1 0
Scotland Glasgow Warriors 2022–2024 4 2 0 2 50.00% 106 26.50 107 40–34 (2023–24) URC 35–21 (2022–23) URC 1 0
Wales Ospreys 2022–2024 4 4 0 0 100.00% 171 42.75 100 61–24 (2023–24) URC 31–38 (2021–22) URC 1 1
France Lyon 2022–2024 4 2 0 2 50.00% 136 34.00 115 59–19 (2023–24) Heineken Cup 36–42 (2022–23) Heineken Cup 1 1
England Exeter Chiefs 2022–2023 2 1 0 1 50.00% 53 26.50 72 39–28 (2022–23) Heineken Cup 44–14 (2022–23) Heineken Cup 0 0
France Toulouse 2023–2023 1 0 0 1 0.00% 9 9.00 33 9–33 (2022–23) Heineken Cup 33–9 (2022–23) Heineken Cup 0 0
England Saracens 2023–2023 1 1 0 0 100.00% 27 27.00 16 27–16 (2023–24) Heineken Cup 16–27 (2022–23) Heineken Cup 0 0
England Bristol Bears 2024–2024 1 1 0 0 100.00% 31 31.00 17 31–17 (2023–24) Heineken Cup 17–31 (2022–23) Heineken Cup 0 0
France Bordeaux 2024–2024 1 1 0 0 100.00% 46 46.00 40 46–40 (2023–24) Heineken Cup 40–46 (2022–23) Heineken Cup 1 0
England Northampton Saints 2024–2024 1 0 0 1 0.00% 22 22.00 59 22–59 (2023–24) Heineken Cup 59–22 (2022–23) Heineken Cup 0 0
Super Rugby 1996–2020 335 158 11 166 47.16% 8626 25.75 8875 92–3 vs Reds (2007) 75–27 vs Crusaders (2000) 30 14
Super Rugby Unlocked 2020–2020 6 5 0 1 83.33% 178 29.67 92 41–14 vs Sharks (2021) 25–30 vs Lions (2021) 1 0
Preparation Series 2021–2021 4 3 0 1 75.00% 181 45.25 115 87–10 vs Eastern Province Elephants (2021) 45–12 vs Sharks (2021) 1 1
United Rugby Championship 2021–2024 64 41 0 23 64.06% 2030 31.72 1493 78–12 vs Zebre (2022–23) 47–14 vs Leinster (2023–24) 10 8
Pro14 Rainbow Cup 2021–2021 7 5 0 2 71.43% 191 27.29 152 43–9 vs Sharks (2021) 35–8 vs Benetton (2021) 1 0
European Rugby Champions Cup 2022–2024 11 6 0 5 54.55% 324 29.45 352 59–19 vs Lyon (2023–24) 59–22 vs Northampton Saints (2023–24) 2 1
Toyota Challenge 2022–2022 1 0 0 1 0.00% 14 14.00 17 14–17 vs Cheetahs (2022) 17–14 vs Cheetahs (2022) 0 0
Overall 1996–2024 428 218 11 199 50.93% 11544 26.97 11096 92–3 vs Reds (2007) 75–27 vs Crusaders (2000) 45 25

Other notable results:

Date Opponent Location Result Bulls score Opponent score Notes
1 February 2001 Fiji Developmental side Fiji Lost 27 35 Report
3 February 2001 Fiji Fiji Won 33 19 Report
7 February 2001 Fiji Warriors Fiji Won 19 14 Report
31 January 2015 England Saracens Allianz Park, London Won 39 26 Report
17 July 2021 South Africa A Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town Won 17 14 Report

Bulls records

[edit]

United Rugby Championship (Rainbow Cup), Heineken Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup and Super Rugby records

[edit]

Individual Records

[edit]
Individual Records United Rugby Championship Heineken Cup EPCR Challenge Cup Super Rugby
Most points 388 by Chris Smith 45 by Chris Smith, Johan Goosen N/A 1487 by Morné Steyn
Most tries 24 by Kurt-Lee Arendse 4 by David Kriel N/A 37 by Bryan Habana (2005–09) 2nd Akona Ndungane 33 tries (2005–14)
Most conversions 92 by Chris Smith 18 by Johan Goosen N/A 245 by Morné Steyn
Most penalty kicks 57 by Chris Smith 8 by Chris Smith N/A 283 by Morné Steyn
Most drop goals 1 by Chris Smith record not set N/A 26 by Morné Steyn

Match Records

[edit]
Match Records United Rugby Championship Heineken Cup EPCR Challenge Cup Super Rugby
Biggest victory. 78–12 (v. Zebre, 2023) 59-19 (v. Lyon, 2024) N/A 92–3 (v. Queensland Reds, 2007)
Largest points for 78 (v. Zebre, 2023) 59 (v. Lyon, 2024) N/A 92 (v. Queensland Reds, 2007)
Biggest defeat 14–47 (v. Leinster, 2024) 22-59 (v. Northampton Saints, 2024) N/A 9–73 (v ACT Brumbies, 1999)
Most points conceded 47 (v. Sharks, 2022), (v. Leinster, 2024) 59 (v. Northampton Saints, 2024) N/A 75 (v Crusaders, 2000)
Most tries: 11 (v. Zebre, 2023) 9 (v. Lyon, 2024) N/A 13 (v Queensland Reds, 2007)
Most tries conceded 7 (v. Leinster, 2024) 9 (v. Northampton Saints, 2024) N/A 11 (v Crusaders, 2000)
Most points by a player 23 by Johan Goosen (v. Zebre 2023) 13 by Chris Smith (v. Lyon, 2023) N/A 35 by Morné Steyn (v Stormers, 2005, v Brumbies 2010)
Most tries by a player 3 (hat-trick) by Cornal Hendricks (v. Ospreys, 2022),Canan Moodie (v. Zebre 2023),David Kriel (v. Zebre 2023), Canan Moodie (v. Benetton 2024) 2 tries on 5 occasions N/A 3 by Adriaan Richter (v. Blues, 1997), Fourie du Preez (v. Cats, 2004), Wynand Olivier (v. Rebels, 2011), Bjorn Basson (v. Rebels, 2016), Warrick Gelant (v. Sharks, 2017), Adriaan Strauss (v. Stormers, 2018), Warrick Gelant (v. Sharks, 2018), Rosko Specman (v. Highlanders, 2020)
Most conversions by a player 10 by Johan Goosen (v. Zebre 2023) 6 by Morné Steyn (v. Lyon, 2022) N/A 11 by Derick Hougaard (v. Queensland Reds, 2007)
Most penalties by a player 5 by Morné Steyn (v. Sharks, 2021), Chris Smith (v. Cardiff 2021), Chris Smith (v. Munster 2022) 3 by Chris Smith (v. Toulouse, 2023), Chris Smith (v. Lyon, 2023) N/A 8 by Jannie de Beer (v. Highlanders, 1996), Derick Hougaard (v. Crusaders, 2007)
Most drop goals by a player 1 by Chris Smith (v. Sharks 2022) record not set N/A 4 by Morné Steyn (v. Crusaders, 2009)

Winning Streaks

[edit]
Winning Streaks United Rugby Championship Heineken Cup EPCR Challenge Cup Super Rugby
Most consecutive victories 6 (27 April 2024 – 22 June 2024) 3 victories N/A 12 (25 April 2009 – 27 March 2010)

Season Records

[edit]
Season Records United Rugby Championship Heineken Cup EPCR Challenge Cup Super Rugby
Most points 710 (2023–24) 213 (2023–24) N/A 500 (2010)
Most team tries 92 (2023–24) 28 (2023–24) N/A 59 (2018)
Most team conversions 70 (2023–24) 23 (2023–24) N/A 47 (2018)
Most team penalties 36 (2023–24) 9 (2023–24) N/A 62 (2010)
Most team drop goals 1 (2021–22) record not set N/A 11 (2009)
Most points by a player 167 by Johan Goosen (2023–24) 41 by Johan Goosen N/A 263 by Morné Steyn (2010 – Super Rugby record)
Most tries by a player 12 by Akker van der Merwe (2023–24) 3 by David Kriel, Marcell Coetzee, Embrose Papier, Sebastian de Klerk (2023–24) N/A 11 by Bjorn Basson (2012)
Most conversions by a player 45 by Johan Goosen (2023–24) 16 by Johan Goosen (2023–24) N/A 38 by Morné Steyn (2010)
Most penalty kicks by a player 24 by Johan Goosen (2023–24) 4 by Chris Smith (2022–23)&(2023–24) N/A 51 Morné Steyn (2010 – Super Rugby Record)
Most drop goals by a player 1 by Chris Smith (2021–22) record not set N/A 11 by Morné Steyn (2009, Super Rugby Record)
  • Correct as of 23 June 2024 (United Rugby Championship not updated with current season yet)
  • Pro14 Rainbow Cup also included as URC points.

Season Awards

[edit]

United Rugby Championship

[edit]

United Rugby Championship Team of the Year
The following Bulls players were selected in the URC team of the year.

Season Players
2021–22 Johan Grobbelaar, Ruan Nortjé, Marcell Coetzee [2]
2022–23 Kurt-Lee Arendse [3]
2023–24 Wilco Louw, Akker van der Merwe, Ruan Nortjé(2), Elrigh Louw, Cameron Hanekom, Kurt-Lee Arendse(2) [4]

United Rugby Championship Golden Boot
The Golden Boot is awarded to the kicker who has successfully converted the highest percentage of place kicksTo be eligible, the player must have taken at least 20 kicks at goal.

Season Winner Percentage
2022–23 Johan Goosen 90%
2023–24 Chris Smith 90%

United Rugby Championship Ironman of the Year
The award for having played the most minutes in the URC during the season.

Season Players
2021–22 Ruan Nortjé (1,394)

All Time Records

[edit]
Individual Records Held by
Most points 1708 by Morné Steyn (2005 – 2023)
Most tries 37 by Bryan Habana (2005–2009)
Most conversions 309 by Morné Steyn (2005 – 2023)
Most penalty kicks 314 by Morné Steyn (2005 – 2023)
Most drop goals 26 by Morné Steyn (2005 – 2023)

Play-off honours

[edit]

Finals

[edit]
Finalists
2007 Won the Super Rugby final 20–19 against the Sharks 19 May 2007
2009 Won the Super Rugby final 61–17 against the Chiefs 30 May 2009
2010 Won the Super Rugby final 25–17 against the Stormers 29 May 2010
2021 Lost the Pro14 Rainbow Cup final 8–35 against Benetton 19 June 2021
2022 Lost the United Rugby Championship final 13–18 against the Stormers 18 June 2022
2024 Lost the United Rugby Championship final 16–21 against the Glasgow 22 June 2024

Semi-Finals

[edit]
Semi-finalists
1996 Lost Super Rugby semi-final 11–48 to Blues 19 May 1996
2005 Lost Super Rugby semi-final 13–23 to Waratahs 21 May 2005
2006 Lost Super Rugby semi-final 15–35 to Crusaders 20 May 2006
2013 Lost Super Rugby semi-final 23–26 to Brumbies 27 July 2013

Quarter-Finals

[edit]
Quarter-finalists
2012 Lost Super Rugby quarter-final 13–28 to Crusaders 21 July 2012
2019 Lost Super Rugby quarter-final 28–35 to Hurricanes 22 June 2019
2023 Lost United Rugby Championship quarter-final 33–21 to Stormers 6 May 2023
2024 Lost European Rugby Champions Cup quarter-final 59–22 to Northampton Saints 13 April 2024

Trophies and Honours

[edit]
  • Team of the Year for the 2010 season [5]
  • Team of the Year for the 2020 season [6]

Major International Honours as the Bulls

[edit]
Major Honours in international competitions
Competition Titles won Runner-up Semi-finalists Quarter-finalists Qualifying-finalists Round of 16
Super Rugby

(3) 2007, 2009, 2010 (0) (4) 1996, 2005, 2006, 2013 (1) 2019 (1) 2012
Super Rugby Conference trophy

(1) 2013 (4) 2012, 2014, 2016, 2019
United Rugby Championship (0) (2) 2021–22, 2023–24 (0) (1) 2022–23
United Rugby Championship SA Shield

(1) 2023–24 (2) 2021–22, 2022–23
Pro14 Rainbow Cup (0) (1) 2021
Super Rugby Unlocked

(1) 2020 (0)
European Rugby Champions Cup (0) (0) (0) (1) 2023–24 (1) 2022–23
EPCR Challenge Cup (0) (0) (0) (0) (0)

Major Domestic Honours as Blue Bulls / Blue Bulls XV / Northern Transvaal

[edit]
Major Honours in domestic competitions
Competition Titles won Runner-up Semi-finalists
Currie Cup

(25) 1946, 1956, 1968, 1969, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1977, 1978, 1980, 1981, 1987, 1988, 1991, 1998, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2009, 2020–21, 2021 (Title shared in 1971, 1979, 1989, 2006) (9) 1954, 1970, 1982, 1983, 1985, 1990, 2005, 2008, 2016 11
Currie Cup First Division

(1) 2000 (0) 0
Vodacom Cup

(3) 2001, 2008, 2010 (6) 2002, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2009, 2011 4
Rugby Challenge (0) (0) 1
Lion Cup

(3) 1985, 1990, 1991 (3) 1987, 1988, 1989 -
Percy Frames Trophy

(6) 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991,1992 (1) 1994 -

Minor Honours

[edit]
Minor honours
Competition Number of titles Runner-up
Gauteng Rugby Cup (1) 2013 (0)
Sanlam Challenge Shield (1) 2015 (0)
Lafarge Zimbabwe Champions Cup (0) (1) 2016
World Club 10s (2) 2017, 2018 (0)
Officeconomix Goodwill Challenge (1) 2022 (0)
Toyota Challenge (0) (1) 2022
IBG Challenge Cup (1)2024 (0)
Mapungubwe Rugby Cup (1)2024 (0)

Season-by-season record

[edit]
Bulls season standings and results
Competition Season Pos P W D L PF PA PD BP Pts Playoffs Season Result Conference/Shield Top points scorer Points Top try scorer Tries
Heineken Cup
2024–25 N/A N/A N/A
2023–24 2nd Pool A 4 3 0 1 132 102 +30 3 15 Lost quarter-final 22-59 vs Northampton Saints Quarter-finalists N/A Johan Goosen 41 David Kriel, Marcell Coetzee, Embrose Papier, Sebastian de Klerk 3
2022–23 7th Pool A 4 2 0 2 102 139 -37 2 10 Lost Round of 16 9-33 vs Toulouse Round of 16 N/A Chris Smith, Morné Steyn 16 Chris Smit, Wandisile Simelane, Bernard van der Linde, Stravino Jacobs 2
United Rugby Championship
2024–25 N/A N/A
2023–24 2nd 18 13 0 5 639 433 +206 14 66 Lost final 16–21 to Glasgow. Runners up🥈 (2) Champions 🏆 1st Johan Goosen 167 Akker van der Merwe 12
2022–23 6th 18 10 0 8 613 448 +165 13 53 Lost quarter-final 21–33 to Stormers Quarter-finalists Runners up (2) Chris Smith 129 Canan Moodie 8
2021–22 4th 18 11 0 7 518 388 +130 14 58 Lost final 13–18 to Stormers. Runners up🥈 (1) Runners up (1) Chris Smith 153 Marcell Coetzee 11
Pro14 Rainbow Cup 2021 1st 6 5 0 1 183 117 +66 5 25 Lost final 35–8 to Benetton. Runners up🥈 N/A Morné Steyn 53 Madosh Tambwe 4
Preparation Series 2021 1st 4 3 0 1 181 115 +66 3 15 No trophy or playoffs Top of pool A N/A Chris Smith 38 Joe van Zyl 4
Super Rugby Unlocked 2020 1st 6 5 0 1 178 92 +86 3 23 No playoffs Champions🏆 N/A Morné Steyn 62 Stedman Gans 5
Super Rugby
2020 12th 6 1 0 5 115 152 -37 1 6 Season cancelled due to COVID-19 4th Morné Steyn 40 Rosko Specman 4
2019 5th 16 8 2 6 410 369 +41 3 41 Lost quarterfinals 35–28 to the Hurricanes. Quarter-finalists Runners up (4) Handré Pollard 194 Cornal Hendricks, Rosko Specman, Hanro Liebenberg 5
2018 12th 16 6 0 10 441 502 -61 2 29 5th Handré Pollard 144 Jesse Kriel 8
2017 15th 15 4 0 11 339 459 -120 4 20 3rd Tian Schoeman 80 Jesse Kriel 5
2016 9th 15 9 1 5 399 339 +60 4 42 Runners up (3) Francois Brummer 109 Adriaan Strauss, Travis Ismaiel 6
2015 9th 16 7 0 9 397 388 +9 10 38 3rd Handré Pollard 167 Francois Hougaard 7
2014 9th 16 7 1 8 365 335 +30 8 38 Runners up (2) Jacques-Louis Potgieter 144 Jono Ross 4
2013 2nd 16 12 0 4 448 330 +118 7 63 Lost semi-final 23–26 to the Brumbies. Semi-Finalists Champions 🏆 1st Morné Steyn 248 Jano Vermaak 5
2012 5th 16 10 0 6 472 369 +103 11 59 Lost qualifiers 28–13 to the Crusaders. Qualifying-finalists Runners up (1) Morné Steyn 228 Bjorn Basson 10
2011 7th 16 10 0 6 416 370 +46 6 54 3rd Morné Steyn 216 Bjorn Basson 9
Super 14 2010 1st 13 10 0 3 436 345 +91 7 47 Defeated the Stormers 25–17 Champions 🏆 3rd N/A Morné Steyn 263 Gerhard van den Heever 8
2009 1st 13 10 0 3 338 271 +67 6 46 Defeated the Chiefs 61–17 Champions 🏆 2nd N/A Morné Steyn 191 Bryan Habana 8
2008 10th 13 6 0 7 324 347 −23 4 28 N/A Morné Steyn 80 Akona Ndungane 7
2007 1st 13 9 0 4 388 223 +165 6 42 Defeated the Sharks 19–20 Champions🏆 1st N/A Derick Hougaard 161 Bryan Habana 8
2006 4th 13 7 1 5 355 290 +65 8 38 Lost semi-final 35–15 to Crusaders. Semi-Finalists N/A Derick Hougaard 93 Bryan Habana 7
Super 12
2005 3rd 11 7 0 4 301 229 +72 6 34 Lost semi-final 23–13 to Waratahs. Semi-Finalists N/A Morne Steyn 110 Bryan Habana 9
2004 6th 11 5 1 5 302 320 −18 6 28 N/A Derick Hougaard 101 Fourie du Preez 5
2003 6th 11 6 0 5 320 354 −34 5 30 N/A Louis Koen 139 Frikkie Welsh 5
2002 12th 11 0 0 11 232 500 −268 1 1 N/A Boeta Wessels 29 Adrian Jacobs, Wylie Human 5
2001 12th 11 2 0 9 241 378 −137 3 11 N/A Casper Steyn 97 Frikkie Welsh, Friedrich Lombard, Adrian Jacobs 4
2000 11th 11 1 2 8 231 395 −164 3 11 N/A Jannie de Beer 123 Deon de Kock 3
1999 12th 11 1 0 10 203 447 −244 3 7 N/A Franco Smith 59 Jan-Harm van Wyk, Schutte Bekker, Pierre Ribbens 2
1998 11th 11 3 0 8 249 306 −57 4 16 N/A Franco Smith 65 Casper Steyn 5
1997 8th 11 3 3 5 264 342 −78 4 22 N/A Casper Steyn 50 Jacques Olivier 4
1996 4th 11 8 0 3 329 208 +121 6 38 Lost semi-final 48–11 to Auckland Blues. Semi-Finalists N/A Jannie Kruger 139 Adriaan Richter 4
Super 10 (amateur era) 1995 Did not qualify N/A
1994 Did not qualify N/A
1993 3rd 4 2 0 2 109 109 0 0 8 N/A

Gold background denotes champions
Silver background denotes runner-up
Bronze background denotes semi-finalists
Cyan background denotes quarter-finalists
Purple background denotes Round of 16

↑ After entering the Champions Cup/Heineken Cup competition from the EPCR Challenge Cup

↓ After dropping into the EPCR Challenge Cup competition from the Champions Cup/Heineken Cup

Key: Super 10 Super 12 Super 14 Super Rugby Super Rugby Unlocked Preparation Series Pro 14 Rainbow Cup United Rugby Championship European Rugby Champions Cup EPCR Challenge Cup

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "Rugby-Bulls blitz Reds 92–3 to earn home semi-final". Reuters. 5 May 2007. Archived from the original on 15 June 2009. Retrieved 6 May 2007.
  2. ^ "Jake White on 'sleeping giant' Bulls' title win: The Liverpool of rugby has awakened". News24. Retrieved 10 October 2021.
  3. ^ "White wanted Bulls to remain only SA Super Rugby winners". SA Rugby. Retrieved 10 October 2021.
  4. ^ "Benetton 35-8 Bulls: Benetton stun Bulls to win Rainbow Cup". skysports. Retrieved 10 October 2021.
  5. ^ "United Rugby Championship: Cardiff 19-29 Bulls". BBC Sport. Retrieved 10 October 2021.
  6. ^ "Sports stadiums in South Africa". SouthAfrica.info. Archived from the original on 3 January 2013. Retrieved 6 May 2007.
  7. ^ "Loftus Versfeld – History". Vodacom Blue Bulls. Archived from the original on 4 October 2007. Retrieved 6 May 2007.
  8. ^ Mudeliar, Thumeshni (2007). "Marketing through sport". Journal of Marketing. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
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