Bulls (rugby union)

Last updated

Bulls
Bulls rugby logo.jpg
Union South African Rugby Union
Founded1938 (Northern Transvaal Rugby Union)
1997 (Bulls franchise)
Location Pretoria, South Africa
Region Gauteng
Ground(s) Loftus Versfeld Stadium (Capacity: 51,762)
Director of Rugby Jake White
Coach(es)Jake White
Captain(s) Marcell Coetzee
Ruan Nortjé
Most appearances Morné Steyn (144)
Top scorer Morné Steyn (1639)
Most tries Bryan Habana (37)
League(s) United Rugby Championship
2022–23 Quarter Finals
South African Shield: 2nd
(6th overall)
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1st kit
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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.

Contents

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.

History

Early history

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)

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)

The Bulls playing the Western Force in Perth, Australia in 2006 Super 14 LineOut Bulls.JPG
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)

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)

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

Bulletjie, the Blue Bulls mascot Blue Bulls Mascot Bulletjie 005.jpg
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

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

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

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

    Captains

    Statistics

    Results by opponent in European competitions

    The results for the Bulls vs different opponents in European competitions

    URC, Rainbow Cup, European Rugby Champions Cup
    OppositionSpanPlayedWonDrawnLostWin%Points forPPMAgaBest scoreWorst score40–49 points50+ points
    Flag of South Africa.svg Lions 2021–2024860275.00%22127.6314834–10 (2021–22) 34–33 (2021) 00
    Flag of South Africa.svg Stormers 2021–20241030730.00%23423.4025140–22 (2023–24) 37–27 (2022–23) 10
    Flag of South Africa.svg Sharks 2021–2024960366.67%27530.5621544–10 (2023–24) 47–20 (2022–23) 30
    Flag of Italy.svg Benetton 2021–2024540180.00%18436.8014456–35 (2023–24) 35–8 (2021) Final21
    IRFU flag.svg Leinster 2021–2024530260.00%13126.2013162–7 (2022–23) 47–14 (2023–24) 01
    IRFU flag.svg Connacht 2021–2023320166.67%8829.337553–27 (2023–24) 34–7 (2021–22) 01
    Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg Cardiff 2021–20233300100.00%9230.674045–9 (2022–23) 19–29 (2021–22) 10
    Flag of Scotland.svg Edinburgh 2021–2024410225.00%8220.5010033–31 (2022–23) 31–23 (2023–24) 00
    Flag of Italy.svg Zebre Parma 2022–20233300100.00%17759.004878–12 (2022–23) 29–54 (2023–24) 12
    IRFU flag.svg Munster 2022–2024310233.33%6822.678229–24 (2021–22) 31–17 (2021–22) 00
    Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg Scarlets 2022–2023320166.67%14849.337063–21 (2023–24) 37–28 (2022–23) 02
    Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg Dragons 2022–20243300100.00%11538.334455–20 (2021–22) 20–55 (2021–22) 01
    IRFU flag.svg Ulster 2022–2023310233.33%7625.337434–16 (2021–22) 32–23 (2022–23) 00
    Flag of Scotland.svg Glasgow Warriors 2022–2024320166.67%9030.008640–34 (2023–24) 35–21 (2021–22) 10
    Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg Ospreys 2022–20243300100.00%14247.338161–24 (2023–24) 31–38 (2021–22) 11
    Flag of France.svg Lyon 2022–2024420250.00%13634.0011559–19 (2023–24) 36–42 (2022–23) 11
    Flag of England.svg Exeter Chiefs 2022–2023210150.00%5326.507239–28 (2022–23) 44–14 (2022–23) 00
    Flag of France.svg Toulouse 2023–202310010.00%99.00339–33 (2022–23) 33–9 (2022–23) 00
    Flag of England.svg Saracens 2023–20231100100.00%2727.001627–16 (2023–24) 16–27 (2023–24) 00
    Flag of England.svg Bristol Bears 2024–20241100100.00%3131.001731–17 (2023–24) 17–31 (2023–24) 00
    Flag of France.svg Bordeaux 2024–20241100100.00%4646.004046–40 (2023–24) 40–46 (2023–24) 10
    Flag of England.svg Northampton Saints 2024–202410010.00%2222.005922–59 (2023–24) 59–22 (2023–24) 00
    Overall2021–2024794903062.03244730.97194178–12 vs Zebre (2022–23) 59–22 vs Northampton Saints (2023–24) 1210

    Overall results by opponent in all competitions

    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
    OppositionSpanPlayedWonDrawnLostWin%Points forPPMAgaBest scoreWorst score40–49 points50+ points
    Flag of South Africa.svg Sharks 1996–2024442731461.36%104523.7595944–10 (2023–24) URC47–20 (2022–23) URC60
    Flag of Australia (converted).svg Waratahs 1996–2019221201054.55%50623.0060948–38 (2010) Super Rugby53–7 (2001) Super Rugby10
    Flag of New Zealand.svg Highlanders 1996–202023721430.43%56824.7064459–29 (1996) Super Rugby65–23 (1999) Super Rugby22
    Flag of Australia (converted).svg Reds 1996–2020231001343.48%61426.7052192–3 (2007) Super Rugby48–12 (2002) Super Rugby22
    Flag of New Zealand.svg Crusaders 1996–2019271001737.04%62623.1990940–35 (2010) Super Rugby75–27 (2000) Super Rugby10
    Flag of New Zealand.svg Blues 1996–202023721430.43%58825.5775959–26 (2009) Super Rugby65–24 (2002) Super Rugby21
    Flag of New Zealand.svg Chiefs 1996–201923821334.78%63627.6574561–17 (2009) Super Rugby Final53–24 (2002) Super Rugby11
    Flag of South Africa.svg Lions 1996–2024382411363.16%108828.6396662–52 (2004) Super Rugby57–24 (1999) Super Rugby22
    Flag of New Zealand.svg Hurricanes 1996–2019221001245.45%56725.7760248–14 (2013) Super Rugby64–32 (1997) Super Rugby40
    Flag of Australia (converted).svg Brumbies 1996–201923801534.78%56824.7067250–32 (2010) Super Rugby73–9 (1999) Super Rugby11
    Flag of South Africa.svg Stormers 1996–2024461812739.13%107023.26102975–14 (2005) Super Rugby42–19 (1999) Super Rugby41
    Flag of South Africa.svg Cheetahs 1997–202222160672.73%66930.4149660–20 (2008) Super Rugby42–29 (2015) Super Rugby23
    Flag of Australia (converted).svg Force 2006–20161060460.00%26426.4022142–20 (2016) Super Rugby30–27 (2007) Super Rugby10
    Flag of Australia (converted).svg Rebels 2011–2019760185.71%25336.1412547–10 (2011) Super Rugby35–41 (2012) Super Rugby40
    Flag of South Africa.svg Southern Kings 2013–2017430175.00%15037.505548–18 (2013) Super Rugby31–30 (2017) Super Rugby10
    Flag of Japan.svg Sunwolves 2016–2018530260.00%17134.2011450–3 (2016) Super Rugby42–37 (2018) Super Rugby01
    Flag of Argentina.svg Jaguares 2016–2020720528.57%16022.8621843–34 (2018) Super Rugby54–25 (2018) Super Rugby10
    Flag of South Africa.svg Griquas 2020–20201100100.00%3030.002330–23 (2020) Super Rugby Unlocked23–30 (2020) Super Rugby Unlocked00
    Flag of South Africa.svg Pumas 2020–20212200100.00%6934.503648–31 (2020) Preparation Series31–48 (2020) Preparation Series10
    Flag of South Africa.svg Eastern Province Elephants 2021–20211100100.00%8787.001087–10 (2021) Preparation Series10–87 (2021) Preparation Series01
    Flag of Italy.svg Benetton 2021–2024540180.00%18436.8014456–35 (2023–24) URC35–8 (2021) Rainbow Cup Final21
    IRFU flag.svg Leinster 2021–2024530260.00%13126.2013162–7 (2022–23) URC47–14 (2023–24) URC01
    IRFU flag.svg Connacht 2021–2023320166.67%8829.337553–27 (2023–24) URC34–7 (2021–22) URC01
    Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg Cardiff 2021–20233300100.00%9230.674045–9 (2022–23) URC19–29 (2021–22) URC10
    Flag of Scotland.svg Edinburgh 2021–2024410325.00%8220.5010033–31 (2022–23) URC31–23 (2023–24) URC00
    Flag of Italy.svg Zebre Parma 2022–20233300100.00%17759.004878–12 (2022–23) URC29–54 (2023–24) URC12
    IRFU flag.svg Munster 2022–2024310233.33%6822.678229–24 (2021–22) URC31–17 (2022–23) URC00
    Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg Scarlets 2022–2023320166.67%14849.337063–21 (2023–24) URC37–28 (2022–23) URC02
    Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg Dragons 2022–20243300100.00%11538.334455–20 (2021–22) URC20–55 (2021–22) URC01
    IRFU flag.svg Ulster 2022–2023310233.33%7625.337434–16 (2021–22) URC32–23 (2022–23) URC00
    Flag of Scotland.svg Glasgow Warriors 2022–2024320166.67%9030.008640–34 (2023–24) URC35–21 (2022–23) URC10
    Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg Ospreys 2022–20243300100.00%14247.338161–24 (2023–24) URC31–38 (2021–22) URC11
    Flag of France.svg Lyon 2022–2024420250.00%13634.0011559–19 (2023–24) Heineken Cup36–42 (2022–23) Heineken Cup11
    Flag of England.svg Exeter Chiefs 2022–2023210150.00%5326.507239–28 (2022–23) Heineken Cup44–14 (2022–23) Heineken Cup00
    Flag of France.svg Toulouse 2023–202310010.00%99.00339–33 (2022–23) Heineken Cup33–9 (2022–23) Heineken Cup00
    Flag of England.svg Saracens 2023–20231100100.00%2727.001627–16 (2023–24) Heineken Cup16–27 (2022–23) Heineken Cup00
    Flag of England.svg Bristol Bears 2024–20241100100.00%3131.001731–17 (2023–24) Heineken Cup17–31 (2022–23) Heineken Cup00
    Flag of France.svg Bordeaux 2024–20241100100.00%4646.004046–40 (2023–24) Heineken Cup40–46 (2022–23) Heineken Cup10
    Flag of England.svg Northampton Saints 2024–202410010.00%2222.005922–59 (2023–24) Heineken Cup59–22 (2022–23) Heineken Cup00
    Super Rugby1996–20203351581116647.16%862625.75887592–3 vs Reds (2007)75–27 vs Crusaders (2000)3014
    Super Rugby Unlocked2020–2020650183.33%17829.679241–14 vs Sharks (2021)25–30 vs Lions (2021)10
    Preparation Series2021–2021430175.00%18145.2511587–10 vs Eastern Province Elephants (2021)45–12 vs Sharks (2021)11
    United Rugby Championship2021–2024613802362.30%193231.67143778–12 vs Zebre (2022–23)47–14 vs Leinster (2023–24)98
    Pro14 Rainbow Cup2021–2021750271.43%19127.2915243–9 vs Sharks (2021)35–8 vs Benetton (2021)10
    European Rugby Champions Cup2022–20241160554.55%32429.4535259–19 vs Lyon (2023–24)59–22 vs Northampton Saints (2023–24)21
    Toyota Challenge2022–202210010.00%1414.001714–17 vs Cheetahs (2022)17–14 vs Cheetahs (2022)00
    Overall1996–20244252151119950.59%1144626.931104092–3 vs Reds (2007)75–27 vs Crusaders (2000)4425

    Other notable results:

    DateOpponentLocationResultBulls scoreOpponent scoreNotes
    1 February 2001 Fiji Developmental side Fiji Lost2735 Report
    3 February 2001 Fiji Fiji Won3319 Report
    7 February 2001 Fiji Warriors Fiji Won1914 Report
    31 January 2015 Flag of England.svg Saracens Allianz Park, London Won3926 Report
    17 July 2021 South Africa A Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town Won1714 Report

    Bulls records

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

    Individual Records

    Individual RecordsUnited Rugby ChampionshipHeineken CupEPCR Challenge CupSuper Rugby
    Most points388 by Chris Smith 45 by Chris Smith, Johan Goosen N/A1487 by Morné Steyn
    Most tries24 by Kurt-Lee Arendse 4 by David Kriel N/A37 by Bryan Habana (2005–09) 2nd Akona Ndungane 33 tries (2005–14)
    Most conversions92 by Chris Smith 18 by Johan Goosen N/A245 by Morné Steyn
    Most penalty kicks57 by Chris Smith 8 by Chris Smith N/A283 by Morné Steyn
    Most drop goals1 by Chris Smith record not setN/A26 by Morné Steyn

    Match Records

    Match RecordsUnited Rugby ChampionshipHeineken CupEPCR Challenge CupSuper Rugby
    Biggest victory.78–12 (v. Zebre, 2023)59-19 (v. Lyon, 2024)N/A92–3 (v. Queensland Reds, 2007)
    Largest points for78 (v. Zebre, 2023)59 (v. Lyon, 2024)N/A92 (v. Queensland Reds, 2007)
    Biggest defeat14–47 (v. Leinster, 2024)22-59 (v. Northampton Saints, 2024)N/A9–73 (v ACT Brumbies, 1999)
    Most points conceded47 (v. Sharks, 2022), (v. Leinster, 2024)59 (v. Northampton Saints, 2024)N/A75 (v Crusaders, 2000)
    Most tries:11 (v. Zebre, 2023)9 (v. Lyon, 2024)N/A13 (v Queensland Reds, 2007)
    Most tries conceded7 (v. Leinster, 2024)9 (v. Northampton Saints, 2024)N/A11 (v Crusaders, 2000)
    Most points by a player23 by Johan Goosen (v. Zebre 2023)13 by Chris Smith (v. Lyon, 2023)N/A35 by Morné Steyn (v Stormers, 2005, v Brumbies 2010)
    Most tries by a player3 (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 occasionsN/A3 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 player10 by Johan Goosen (v. Zebre 2023)6 by Morné Steyn (v. Lyon, 2022)N/A11 by Derick Hougaard (v. Queensland Reds, 2007)
    Most penalties by a player5 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/A8 by Jannie de Beer (v. Highlanders, 1996), Derick Hougaard (v. Crusaders, 2007)
    Most drop goals by a player1 by Chris Smith (v. Sharks 2022)record not setN/A4 by Morné Steyn (v. Crusaders, 2009)

    Winning Streaks

    Winning StreaksUnited Rugby ChampionshipHeineken CupEPCR Challenge CupSuper Rugby
    Most consecutive victories6 (27 April 2024 – 22 June 2024)3 victoriesN/A12 (25 April 2009 – 27 March 2010)

    Season Records

    Season RecordsUnited Rugby ChampionshipHeineken CupEPCR Challenge CupSuper Rugby
    Most points710 (2023–24)213 (2023–24)N/A500 (2010)
    Most team tries92 (2023–24)28 (2023–24)N/A59 (2018)
    Most team conversions70 (2023–24)23 (2023–24)N/A47 (2018)
    Most team penalties36 (2023–24)9 (2023–24)N/A62 (2010)
    Most team drop goals1 (2021–22)record not setN/A11 (2009)
    Most points by a player167 by Johan Goosen (2023–24)41 by Johan Goosen N/A263 by Morné Steyn (2010 – Super Rugby record)
    Most tries by a player12 by Akker van der Merwe (2023–24)3 by David Kriel, Marcell Coetzee, Embrose Papier, Sebastian de Klerk (2023–24)N/A11 by Bjorn Basson (2012)
    Most conversions by a player45 by Johan Goosen (2023–24)16 by Johan Goosen (2023–24)N/A38 by Morné Steyn (2010)
    Most penalty kicks by a player24 by Johan Goosen (2023–24)4 by Chris Smith (2022–23)&(2023–24)N/A51 Morné Steyn (2010 – Super Rugby Record)
    Most drop goals by a player1 by Chris Smith (2021–22)record not setN/A11 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

    United Rugby Championship

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

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

    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.

    SeasonWinnerPercentage
    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.

    SeasonPlayers
    2021–22 Ruan Nortjé (1,394)

    All Time Records

    Individual RecordsHeld by
    Most points1708 by Morné Steyn (2005 – 2023)
    Most tries37 by Bryan Habana (2005–2009)
    Most conversions309 by Morné Steyn (2005 – 2023)
    Most penalty kicks314 by Morné Steyn (2005 – 2023)
    Most drop goals26 by Morné Steyn (2005 – 2023)

    Play-off honours

    Finals

    Finalists
    2007 Won the Super Rugby final 20–19 against the Sharks19 May 2007
    2009 Won the Super Rugby final 61–17 against the Chiefs30 May 2009
    2010 Won the Super Rugby final 25–17 against the Stormers29 May 2010
    2021 Lost the Pro14 Rainbow Cup final 8–35 against Benetton19 June 2021
    2022 Lost the United Rugby Championship final 13–18 against the Stormers18 June 2022
    2024 Lost the United Rugby Championship final 16–21 against the Glasgow22 June 2024

    Semi-Finals

    Semi-finalists
    1996 Lost Super Rugby semi-final 11–48 to Blues19 May 1996
    2005 Lost Super Rugby semi-final 13–23 to Waratahs21 May 2005
    2006 Lost Super Rugby semi-final 15–35 to Crusaders20 May 2006
    2013 Lost Super Rugby semi-final 23–26 to Brumbies27 July 2013

    Quarter-Finals

    Quarter-finalists
    2012 Lost Super Rugby quarter-final 13–28 to Crusaders21 July 2012
    2019 Lost Super Rugby quarter-final 28–35 to Hurricanes22 June 2019
    2023 Lost United Rugby Championship quarter-final 33–21 to Stormers6 May 2023
    2024 Lost European Rugby Champions Cup quarter-final 59–22 to Northampton Saints13 April 2024

    Trophies and Honours

    Major International Honours as the Bulls

    Major Honours in international competitions
    CompetitionTitles wonRunner-upSemi-finalistsQuarter-finalistsQualifying-finalistsRound of 16
    Super Rugby
    Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svg
    		(3) 2007, 2009, 2010 (0)(4) 1996, 2005, 2006, 2013 (1) 2019 (1) 2012
    Super Rugby Conference trophy
    Star full.svg
    		(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
    Star full.svg
    		(1) 2023–24 (2) 2021–22, 2022–23
    Pro14 Rainbow Cup (0)(1) 2021
    Super Rugby Unlocked
    Star full.svg
    		(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

    Major Honours in domestic competitions
    CompetitionTitles wonRunner-upSemi-finalists
    Currie Cup
    Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svg
    		(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, 201610
    Currie Cup First Division
    Star full.svg
    		(1) 2000 (0)0
    Vodacom Cup
    Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svg
    		(3) 2001, 2008, 2010 (6) 2002, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2009, 20114
    Rugby Challenge (0)(0)1
    Lion Cup
    Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svg
    		(3) 1985, 1990, 1991 (3) 1987, 1988, 1989-
    Percy Frames Trophy
    Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svg
    		(6) 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991,1992 (1) 1994-

    Minor Honours

    Minor honours
    CompetitionNumber of titlesRunner-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

    Bulls season standings and results
    CompetitionSeason Pos PWDLPFPAPDBPPtsPlayoffsSeason ResultConference/ShieldTop points scorerPointsTop try scorerTries
    Heineken Cup
    2024–25 N/AN/AN/A
    2023–24 2nd Pool A4301132102+30315Lost quarter-final 22-59 vs Northampton SaintsQuarter-finalistsN/A Johan Goosen 41 David Kriel, Marcell Coetzee, Embrose Papier, Sebastian de Klerk 3
    2022–23 7th Pool A4202102139-37210Lost Round of 16 9-33 vs ToulouseRound of 16N/A Chris Smith, Morné Steyn 16 Chris Smit, Wandisile Simelane, Bernard van der Linde, Stravino Jacobs 2
    United Rugby Championship
    2024–25 N/AN/A
    2023–24 2nd181305639433+2061466Lost final 16–21 to Glasgow.Runners up🥈 (2)Champions 🏆 1st Johan Goosen 167 Akker van der Merwe 12
    2022–23 6th181008613448+1651353Lost quarter-final 21–33 to StormersQuarter-finalistsRunners up(2) Chris Smith 129 Canan Moodie 8
    2021–22 4th181107518388+1301458Lost final 13–18 to Stormers.Runners up🥈 (1)Runners up(1) Chris Smith 153 Marcell Coetzee 11
    Pro14 Rainbow Cup 2021 1st6501183117+66525Lost final 35–8 to Benetton.Runners up🥈N/A Morné Steyn 53 Madosh Tambwe 4
    Preparation Series 2021 1st4301181115+66315No trophy or playoffsTop of pool AN/A Chris Smith 38 Joe van Zyl 4
    Super Rugby Unlocked 2020 1st650117892+86323No playoffsChampions🏆N/A Morné Steyn 62 Stedman Gans 5
    Super Rugby
    2020 12th6105115152-3716Season cancelled due to COVID-194th Morné Steyn 40 Rosko Specman 4
    2019 5th16826410369+41341Lost quarterfinals 35–28 to the Hurricanes.Quarter-finalistsRunners up(4) Handré Pollard 194 Cornal Hendricks, Rosko Specman, Hanro Liebenberg 5
    2018 12th166010441502-612295th Handré Pollard 144 Jesse Kriel 8
    2017 15th154011339459-1204203rd Tian Schoeman 80 Jesse Kriel 5
    2016 9th15915399339+60442Runners up(3) Francois Brummer 109 Adriaan Strauss, Travis Ismaiel 6
    2015 9th16709397388+910383rd Handré Pollard 167 Francois Hougaard 7
    2014 9th16718365335+30838Runners up(2) Jacques-Louis Potgieter 144 Jono Ross 4
    2013 2nd161204448330+118763Lost semi-final 23–26 to the Brumbies.Semi-FinalistsChampions 🏆 1st Morné Steyn 248 Jano Vermaak 5
    2012 5th161006472369+1031159Lost qualifiers 28–13 to the Crusaders.Qualifying-finalistsRunners up (1) Morné Steyn 228 Bjorn Basson 10
    2011 7th161006416370+466543rd Morné Steyn 216 Bjorn Basson 9
    Super 14 2010 1st131003436345+91747Defeated the Stormers 25–17Champions 🏆 3rdN/A Morné Steyn 263 Gerhard van den Heever 8
    2009 1st131003338271+67646Defeated the Chiefs 61–17Champions 🏆 2ndN/A Morné Steyn 191 Bryan Habana 8
    2008 10th13607324347−23428N/A Morné Steyn 80 Akona Ndungane 7
    2007 1st13904388223+165642Defeated the Sharks 19–20Champions🏆 1stN/A Derick Hougaard 161 Bryan Habana 8
    2006 4th13715355290+65838Lost semi-final 35–15 to Crusaders.Semi-FinalistsN/A Derick Hougaard 93 Bryan Habana 7
    Super 12
    2005 3rd11704301229+72634Lost semi-final 23–13 to Waratahs.Semi-FinalistsN/A Morne Steyn 110 Bryan Habana 9
    2004 6th11515302320−18628N/A Derick Hougaard 101 Fourie du Preez 5
    2003 6th11605320354−34530N/A Louis Koen 139 Frikkie Welsh 5
    2002 12th110011232500−26811N/A Boeta Wessels 29 Adrian Jacobs, Wylie Human 5
    2001 12th11209241378−137311N/A Casper Steyn 97 Frikkie Welsh, Friedrich Lombard, Adrian Jacobs 4
    2000 11th11128231395−164311N/A Jannie de Beer 123 Deon de Kock 3
    1999 12th111010203447−24437N/A Franco Smith 59 Jan-Harm van Wyk, Schutte Bekker, Pierre Ribbens 2
    1998 11th11308249306−57416N/A Franco Smith 65 Casper Steyn 5
    1997 8th11335264342−78422N/A Casper Steyn 50 Jacques Olivier 4
    1996 4th11803329208+121638Lost semi-final 48–11 to Auckland Blues.Semi-FinalistsN/A Jannie Kruger 139 Adriaan Richter 4
    Super 10 (amateur era) 1995 Did not qualifyN/A
    1994 Did not qualifyN/A
    1993 3rd4202109109008N/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 10Super 12Super 14Super RugbySuper Rugby UnlockedPreparation SeriesPro 14 Rainbow CupUnited Rugby ChampionshipEuropean Rugby Champions CupEPCR Challenge Cup

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    References

    1. 1 2 "Rugby-Bulls blitz Reds 92–3 to earn home semi-final". Reuters. 5 May 2007. 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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