Coach Johan Ackermann says the Vodacom Bulls won’t look to replace Japan-bound Bok lock Ruan Nortjé at the end of the season.
The 27-year-old, who has earned 18 Test caps since 2022, is set to join coach Frans Ludeke’s Kubota Spears.
Nortjé was born and raised in Pretoria. He represented the Bulls at the U18 Academy Week in 2016 and the U19 team a year later before making his senior debut in 2018. He captained the team to back-to-back URC finals in 2023-24 and 2024-25.
“You lose experience and leadership with Ruan’s departure,” Ackermann admitted to Rapport.
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However, the Bulls boss is backing the next wave of locks to step up, with JF van Heerden, Reinhardt Ludwig and Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg all in line for bigger roles.
“I think we have good depth at lock in JF, Reinhardt and Nicolaas,” said Ackermann.
“Nicolaas also offers experience. Even JF and Reinhardt have played a lot of matches in the United Rugby Championship. Each has their strengths.
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“We selected Reinhardt at five lock earlier this year when Ruan was unavailable. He also has the ability to play seven flank.
“I see a lot of potential in JF, as with Reinhardt. He is a hard-working lock. Then you have Nicolaas who has a lot of experience and has played all over the world.”
Sintu Manjezi, who has previously played for the Cheetahs and Glasgow Warriors, adds further depth and experience.
Ackermann stressed that the opportunity is now there for others to take ownership.
“Each of the players knows what they need to work on to make use of new opportunities,” he said.
Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images
The post Bulls back lock depth after Nortjé blow appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Coach Johan Ackermann says the Vodacom Bulls won’t look to replace Japan-bound Bok lock Ruan Nortjé at the end of the season.
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