Bulls release loose forward Ross

THE Vodacom Blue Bulls released loose forward Jono Ross early from his contract so that he can join French club, Stade Francais.

Ross started his playing career with the Emirates Lions in Johannesburg and has also played in England for premiership side Saracens in the Anglo Welsh Cup.

The loose forward made his Super Rugby debut for the Vodacom Blue Bulls in 2013 and later went on to become the first English speaking Vodacom Blue Bulls captain in the Currie Cup, also in 2013.

At the end of 2013, Ross signed a contract with the Blue Bulls Company that was expected to keep him in Pretoria until 2016, but he has now been released from that contract.

Vodacom Blue Bulls coach, Frans Ludeke, admitted that it was a set-back losing a former captain and versatile loose forward, but pointed to the huge stock of talented players that will still be available to the Blue Bulls Company for this year’s season.

“Jono provided leadership and played at numbers six, seven and eight for us when our loose forward department was depleted due to injuries. Thanks to our junior structures, the return of injured players and some new signings, we have a strong group for this year, ” Ludeke said.

“We have seen the likes of Jacques du Plessis, Roelof Smit and Janse van Rensburg breaking into the senior ranks despite being juniors, while Lappies Labuschagne also joined from the Toyota Cheetahs.

“With Springboks Pierre Spies and Arno Botha also returning to action and some proven players already on our books, we will have a very competitive group amongst our loose forwards, ” Ludeke said.