Bulls lock in young stars

The Vodacom Bulls have made a powerful statement about their long-term vision, announcing a slew of significant contract extensions for eight of their most promising young talents.

The move is a major vote of confidence in the franchise's development system and its intent to lock in a new generation of players who have all impressed strongly in recent Vodacom United Rugby Championship and Carling Currie Cup campaigns. The extensions see the young stars commit to the Pretoria-based side until at least 2028, with one signing as far as 2030.

THE LIST OF PLAYERS WHO HAVE COMMITTED THEIR FUTURE TO LOFTUS VERSFELD INCLUDES:

Cheswill Jooste (Wing/Fullback): Contracted until 2030
Mornay Smith (Prop): Contracted until 2029
Francois Kloppers (Prop): Contracted until 2029
JF van Heerden (Lock): Contracted until 2029
Alulutho Tshakweni (Prop): Contracted until 2028
Jaco Grobbelaar (Flanker/Lock): Contracted until 2028
Keagan Johannes (Scrumhalf, 25): Contracted until 2028
Sebastian de Klerk (Wing): Contracted until 2028

Tshakweni, Van Heerden, and loose forward Grobbelaar have been consistent features in the Vodacom Bulls' rotation, while the explosive backline duo of Keagan Johannes and Sebastian de Klerk continue to be fan favourites.

Said Johannes: “I’ve been here since school and the Bulls have been good to me. I’m loving Pretoria and look forward to continuing my journey here.” De Klerk, too, was thrilled with his extension. “I love it at the Bulls, I love Pretoria.

It’s massive to be part of something so prestigious and with a great history.” The long-term signings of young front-rowers Smith and Kloppers underline the desire to maintain forward dominance.

Meanwhile, Van Heerden, just 21, was also happy to be recognised with a contract extension. “I can’t think of a place I’d rather be,” he said, having joined the Vodacom Bulls straight after school.

“This is home for me, and it’s a massive privilege to be working with everyone.” Edgar Rathbone, Blue Bulls Company CEO, hailed the signings as a cornerstone of the club’s long-term strategy.

“This mass retention of our young talent is not just an investment; it is a declaration of our intent to build a sustainable, world-class squad for the next decade.

These are not projects, they are proven, committed performers who have been integral to our success. Our development pathway is producing the next generation of Vodacom Bulls legends, and by locking them in, we are ensuring the future of our club remains firmly anchored at Loftus Versfeld.”