Odendaal leaves Loftus to retreat across the Jukskei River
After a few weeks of speculation about the future of Bulls centre and captain Burger Odendaal, the Blue Bulls Company has officially confirmed that he will be leaving Loftus Versfeld to join the Lions.
Four months ago he was the Bulls’ official captain, but there seems to be no room for the stalwart at Loftus Versfeld since the dawn of the Jake White era and he decided to pack his boots and move back south across the Jukskei river.
The Blue Bulls Company today confirmed that centre Burger Odendaal will be departing Loftus Versfeld. The 27-year-old, who also captained the Bulls earlier this year, will be making his way back across the Jukskei to neighbouring franchise, the Lions.
This former pupil of Hoërskool Monument in Krugersdorp played Craven Week rugby for the Lions for two consecutive years, after which he spent his first year as a professional player at Ellis Park, where he played for the Lions under-19 team.
Odendaal then moved to Loftus Versfeld in 2012 and he made his debut in the Vodacom Cup as a 20-year old. He is also one of the few current players to have surpassed the 50-cap mark in both SuperRugby and Currie Cup.
Although the Bulls’ new Rugby Director, Jake White, had good words about Odendaal when his departure was announced, it is no secret that White is not interested in him as a player.
“It is with a heavy heart that I bid farewell to the Bulls. It was an honour to call Loftus home for the last nine years and I want to thank each and every one who had an influence or part to play in my journey. I will cherish the good memories and hope that I have made lifelong friendships,” Odendaal said when his departure was announced.
Although Odendaal was not equally popular with all Bulls supporters, there can be no doubt that the team will miss its experience and leadership.
White will have a big burden on his shoulders in particular to merge the new group of players he brings together at Loftus as a unit.
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