Bulls Director of Rugby, Jake White has confirmed Marcell Coetzee and Ruan Nortjé as co-captains who will lead the herd for the 2023/24 season.

“Marcell and Ruan are experienced campaigners who understand the demands of playing in three competitions and they have done well in leading us over the last few seasons. Ruan stepped up last season when Marcell took his sabbatical and when he returned, the two of them continued to collaborate until the end of the season,” White said.

According to the coach it was an easy decision to make because he believes Coetzee and Nortjé truly embody what it means to be a Bulls player.

“They have tirelessly continued to serve our franchise with humility and hard work, upholding the values and virtues of our community. I know they will do well because they are also surrounded by a strong leadership group which they have been leaning on as well,” White remarked.

He also elaborated that the appointment of two leaders is an opportunity to manage player load as well as reinforce a thriving leadership environment within the team.

“We are fortunate to also have a healthy base of players with quality traits and are emerging as leaders too, which is great for our future prospects. Shared captaincy is an opportunity for us to balance the weight of responsibility on matchdays and extend how we can create depth in range for the whole group, because they naturally bring unique dynamics through their leadership qualities,” White commented.

The pair’s first assignment will be the first round United Rugby Championship game against Scarlets this coming  Sunday. Kick-off is set for 15:00.

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