A Vodacom URC title in Dublin on Friday night would be a fitting final chapter for Willie le Roux.
The 36-year-old Vodacom Bulls and Springbok fullback recently marked his 400th first-class game, while in 2025 he became only the eighth Springbok to reach 100 Test caps.
While the double World Cup winner has largely avoided retirement talk, the URC final against Irish giants Leinster offers him a chance to complete a rare piece of unfinished business.
The Bulls have lost three URC finals in four seasons – including last year’s showpiece match against Leinster – but arrive in Dublin with genuine belief that they can finally cross that threshold.
WILLIE: It’s about the big moments
For Le Roux, victory would add a major club trophy to a CV already stacked with honours: two World Cups, a British & Irish Lions series winner, three Rugby Championships and 101 Test caps.
Yet despite the accolades over a storied career, Le Roux has often been one of the most maligned players in South Africa, earning praise and criticism in equal measure.
But coaches and fellow players recognise his world-class ability, including his rugby brain, vision and ability to unlock defences.
FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS: Five battles that will decide URC final
Leinster and Ireland wing Tommy O’Brien said ahead of Friday’s final at Croke Park: “The Bulls obviously have a great kicking game, with Pollard and Le Roux that kind of 10-15 axis where they look to control the game.”
A victory in the URC final may just be the perfect ending for one of the modern greats of Springbok rugby.
Photo: Vodacom Bulls
The post Friday Night Lights: The veteran with unfinished business appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
A Vodacom URC title in Dublin on Friday night would be a fitting final chapter for Willie le Roux.
The post Friday Night Lights: The veteran with unfinished business appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
