He didn’t come through the normal channels like the Craven Week and he was previously considered in some circles as “not heavy enough” to play top rugby, but with astonishingly productive 80-minute performances game after game in the Bulls jersey over the past few seasons, the latest product of Loftus’ famous lock factory proved himself as a definite future Bulls legend.

Now Jake White and his management have also revealed another talent of 24-year-old Ruan Nortjé – his strong leadership qualities. Earlier today Nortjé has officially been appointed as the new Bulls captain.

The 24-year-old Springbok lock has had tremendous influence on the team since joining the professional ranks back in 2018.

The towering lock will have the experience of Johan Goosen and Harold Vorster to lean on. The pair will be serving alongside Nortjé as Vice-Captains.

White said that Nortjé’s appointment is future-oriented.

“I think he (Ruan) is the future of the club. He is still young, and he is surrounded by players who respect him as a player and has continually justified his selection as a player with what he offers us. It is great for us to have a player who makes it easier to select and I have every bit of confidence that he we thrive in his new role” the Bulls mentor explained.

Nortjé, a Hoërskool Wonderboom alma mater, said his appointment is a massive honour.

🔊 THIS IS YOUR CAPTAIN SPEAKING 🔊 Ruan Nortje addresses the media for the first time as the captain of the Vodacom Bulls 🫡 #TrueToTheBlue @Vodacom #URC pic.twitter.com/pFLRigbj1M

— Official Blue Bulls (@BlueBullsRugby) November 24, 2022

“It hasn’t sunk in yet but maybe on Saturday, it will become real. This is a tremendous privilege to lead this bunch of players and to have this opportunity in a franchise with such a great history of players before me is massive,” he remarked.

For the new captain, this is another building block in his game and in his life and he hopes that it will be new building blocks that will help him evolve as a human.

“I hope that I can contribute to the co-development of those around me, I am looking forward to it,” he said.

Nortjé and his deputies will be leading the Bulls supported by a leadership group that – except for Goosen and Vorster – also comprises Johan Grobbelaar, Cornal Hendricks, Elrigh Louw, Chris Smith and Nizaam Carr.

“I am lucky that this is not a one-man job and that I have a strong leadership group around me. We have great mutual respect for one another and I am confident that collectively we will continue the great work of advancing the Bulls forward,” Nortjé commented.

Speaking about his lessons from his predecessors, Nortje said he draw a lot of inspiration from captains before him – the likes of Victor Matfield and Marcell (Coetzee) have all been great leaders that I have great admiration for.

“I grew up watching Victor during my school days, and it is awesome to now follow in those footsteps. I am lucky that I have an incredible friendship with Marcell and so I have taken a lot out of his book. He has journeyed with me over the last six weeks and that transition period has helped me gain confidence in assuming this responsibility, a wonderful opportunity and I am grateful for that. I have every intention to lead by example,” Nortjé concluded.

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