Bulls (rugby union)

The Bulls, for sponsorship reasons known as the Vodacom Bulls, is a South African professional rugby union team based in Pretoria and they play their home matches at Loftus Versfeld. They compete in the United Rugby Championship, having competed in the Super Rugby competition until 2020. Prior to 1998, the Bulls competed in the then-Super 12 as Northern Transvaal, as in those years South Africa was represented in the competition by its top four Currie Cup sides from the previous season, instead of the modern Super Rugby teams.

For other uses, see Bulls (disambiguation).
Not to be confused with Blue Bulls.

Bulls
UnionSouth African Rugby Union
Founded1938 (Northern Transvaal Rugby Union)
1997 (Bulls franchise)
LocationPretoria, South Africa
RegionGauteng
Ground(s)Loftus Versfeld Stadium (Capacity: 51,762)
Director of RugbyJake White
Coach(es)Jake White
Captain(s)Marcell Coetzee
Ruan Nortjé
Most capsMorné Steyn (144)
Top scorerMorné Steyn (1639)
Most triesBryan Habana (37)
League(s)United Rugby Championship
2022–23Quarter Finals
South African Shield: 2nd
(6th overall)
1st kit
2nd kit
Official website
bullsrugby.co.za

The side won the Super 14 in 2007, 2009 and 2010, placing them among the most successful teams in Super Rugby history with three titles. They were the most successful team of the Super 14 era (2006–10), winning three out of the five titles. They are the most successful South African team, and the only South African team to win a Super Rugby title.

History

Early history

Prior to the professional Super Rugby competition, Northern Transvaal competed in the Super 10, which was a tournament featuring ten teams from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Tonga and Western Samoa, which ran from 1993 to 1995. The top three teams from the previous Currie Cup season qualified for each of the Super 10 tournaments.

Northern Transvaal competed in the 1993 season, where they were grouped in Pool B alongside Transvaal, New South Wales, North Harbour and Waikato. Transvaal finished at the top of the pool, with Northern Transvaal finishing third, behind New South Wales. Northern Transvaal did not qualify for the Super 10 (Southern Hemisphere competition)#1994 Super 10 or 1995 seasons.

Early Professional Era (1996–2005)

After rugby union went professional, the Super 10 tournament was restructured. The Super 12 was created, and was to be competed by teams from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Both Australia and New Zealand adopted new franchise models for their teams, whereas South Africa chose to use the Currie Cup to decide what teams were to be promoted in the Super 12 each season.

Competing in the inaugural Super 12 season of 1996, Northern Transvaal were one of the 12 teams. The side won eight of their 11 games and finished third on the table – behind only Auckland and Queensland. Jannie Kruger finished the season in the top three leading point-scorers, behind only Matt Burke and John Eales. The side was however soundly defeated in a semi-final by the Auckland Blues, with the final score being 48 points to 11. The game was played at Eden Park in Auckland.

After their fairly successful performance in the opening competition, the subsequent competition of 1997 saw them with three wins and three draws from 11 games. They finished at eighth. Following the 1997 season, South Africa adopted a similar franchise system to that of Australia and New Zealand's, abolishing the Currie Cup promotion system in favour of creating new franchises. The Bulls were formed as one of the four new teams. They did not make the semis in the 1998 season. The Bulls were considered one of the worst teams in the Super 12 competition, finishing last or second to last for five consecutive seasons from 1998 to 2003. In 2002, they became the first team ever to go through an entire Super Rugby season without winning a single game. This record remained until the Lions repeated the feat during the 2010 season. After finishing fourth in the inaugural competition, they did not make the semis again until the years 2003.

The Bulls finished in 6th place in both 2003 and 2004, though still missing out on a finals position. They equalled there 1996 performance in 2005, although there was a very poor start to the season, it was followed by six straight wins to earn them a semi-final berth, where they were defeated by the New South Wales Waratahs. Bryan Habana finished in the top three try-scorers by the end of the season, and was short-listed for IRB player of the year.

Super 14 Era (2006–10)
The Bulls playing the Western Force in Perth, Australia in 2006

In 2006, the Super 12 became the Super 14, with the addition of two new franchises, the Cheetahs and the Western Force. By the last round of the 2006 season, the Bulls, along with the Brumbies and Sharks were all in contention to take the fourth and final position on the ladder to make the semi-finals. After the Brumbies were defeated 33 to 3 by the Crusaders, the Bulls or Sharks could mathematically take the fourth spot. The Bulls defeated the Stormers at Newlands in Cape Town 43 points to 10, which ensured they went through to the semi-finals. The Bulls travelled to Christchurch where they were defeated 35 to 15 at Jade Stadium and knocked out of the finals.

The Bulls lost their first game of the 2007 Super 14 season, going down to the Sharks in Durban 17 points to 3. Entering week 14, the last round of the regular season, the Bulls were chasing an unlikely 72-point win over the Queensland Reds in order to move into second place and get a home semi-final.[1] At Loftus, the Bulls defeated the Reds 92 points to 3, with the 89-point margin of victory setting a new Super rugby record.[1] The Bulls ran in 13 tries with four players getting doubles and Derick Hougaard kicking 11 conversions. The Sharks finished first, so it became the first time that both home venues in the semi-finals was in South Africa.

The Bulls defeated the Crusaders in their semi-final by 27 points to 12, with Derick Hougaard kicking eight penalties and a drop-goal. The Sharks ensured a home-final in the 2007 Super 14-competition by defeating the Blues with a scoreline of 34–18.

When the Bulls met the Sharks in the Super 14 final at the Absa Stadium in Durban the match turned out to be a tight, nervous affair with the Bulls initially being guilty of indiscipline and making a lot of mistakes. The Sharks carried a 14–10 advantage into half-time after a JP Pietersen try cancelled out one from Pierre Spies. The second half of the match was just as nail-biting, with the Bulls gaining the ascendancy in the match, but failing to turn their rising amount of possession into points. A Derick Hougaard penalty closed the gap to 14–13, after which the Bulls made several onslaughts on the Sharks line, only to lose the ball at critical stages. Their match looked to be all but over for the Bulls when Albert van den Berg barged over the line for a Sharks try two minutes from full-time to stretch their lead to six points. However, François Steyn failed with the conversion attempt, and the Bulls restarted with barely seconds on the clock. After regaining the ball from the kick-off, play went through several phases before Bryan Habana received the ball on the right wing. He cut infield and scored the most dramatic of match winning tries, more than a minute after official play. The try was converted by Derick Hougaard and the Bulls won the match 20–19. In 2009 the Bulls again won the Super 14, defeating the Chiefs 61 – 17 in the final in Pretoria.

In 2010 the Bulls again finished top of the log by beating the Crusaders in a home semi final to secure a home final. Because the FIFA World Cup was being hosted by South Africa that year and Loftus was included as a venue, they had to play the semi and final in Soweto, a first in Super Rugby history. The Stormers had beaten the Waratahs at home and would face off with the Bulls in the Final. The Bulls won the final once again in dramatic style when Francois Hougaard sidestepped the Stormers fullback Joe Petersen to score an impressive try.

Super Rugby Era (2011–2020)

The Bulls only managed the Super Rugby South African Conference trophy in 2013 and they were three time conference runner-up in 2012, 2014 and 2019. They also reached the Qualifiers twice and Semi-final once but lost all three play-off matches.

After the 2020 Super Rugby season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a replacement tournament was announced for each country. The South African tournament was called Super Rugby Unlocked and the Bulls were crowned the champions after ending top of the log.[2]

The South African teams withdrew from the competition entirely, making the Bulls the only South African winners of any form of the Super Rugby trophy.[3]

Pro14 and United Rugby Championship Era (2021–present)

The Pro14 Rainbow Cup was announced as an end-of-season cup competition to introduce the South African teams after their withdrawal from Super Rugby. After the regular season the top of the South African log Bulls faced European top Benetton in the final in Italy. The Bulls lost their first match in Europe as well as the Pro14 Rainbow Cup final 35-8.[4]

The 2021–22 season was a tough start for the Bulls with two straight losses in Europe against Leinster 31-3 and Connacht 34-7. The Bulls got their first win in Europe on 9 October 2021 beating Cardiff Blues 29-19.[5]

They went on to finish in 4th place on the overall standings after regular season, securing a home quarter-final.

Location
Bulletjie, the Blue Bulls mascot

The team is centred around the Blue Bulls Rugby Union, whose catchment covers Pretoria as well as Limpopo, but also draws players from the Falcons Rugby Union, who represent the East Rand. Through 2005, the Bulls also drew players from the Pumas Rugby Union and Leopards Rugby Union, but in the realignment of franchise areas that came from the expansion of Super 12 to Super 14, these unions were moved into the Lions.

Stadium

The Bulls play all their home matches at the Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria, which is also the home of the Blue Bulls during the Currie Cup season. The stadium is also a regular host for Springboks Test matches, and was a venue during the 1995 Rugby World Cup which South Africa hosted. Loftus was a venue for Pool D matches including France v Tonga, Scotland v Tonga and France v Scotland. Loftus was also used twice during the finals stages – for the New Zealand v Scotland quarter-final and the England v France third place play-off.

The ground has been used for rugby since 1908, and in 1932 the stadium was renamed to Loftus Versfeld in honor of Robert Owen Loftus Versfeld, the founder of organized rugby in Pretoria.[6][7] The stadium has undergone numerous renovations over the years, and is currently capable of holding 51,762 spectators.

Current squad
For player movements before or during the 2023–24 season, see List of 2023–24 United Rugby Championship transfers § Bulls.

The Bulls squad for the 2023–24 United Rugby Championship is.[8]

Bulls United Rugby Championship squad

Props

Hookers

Locks

Loose forwards

Scrum-halves

Fly-halves

Centres

Outside backs

(cx) Denotes team co-captains, Bold denotes internationally capped, ST denotes a short-term signing.

    Coaches

    Captains

    Statistics

    Results by opponent in European competitions

    The results for the Bulls vs different opponents in European competitions

    URC, Rainbow Cup, European Rugby Champions Cup
    Opposition Span Played Won Drawn Lost Win% Points for Average PF Points against Best score Worst score 40–49 points 50+ points
    South Africa Lions2021–2023640266.67%16627.6711034–10 (2021–22)34–33 (2021)00
    South Africa Stormers2021–2023820525.00%17421.7520331–27 (2021)37–27 (2022–23)00
    South Africa Sharks2021–2022740357.14%20529.2919143–9 (2021)47–20 (2022–23)20
    Italy Benetton2021–2022320166.67%9832.678646–29 (2021–22)35–8 (2021) Final20
    Ireland Leinster2021–2023320166.67%9230.676462–7 (2022–23)31–3 (2021–22)01
    Ireland Connacht2021–2022210150.00%3517.504828–14 (2022–23)34–7 (2021–22)00
    Wales Cardiff2021–20222200100.00%7437.002845–9 (2022–23)19–29 (2021–22)10
    Scotland Edinburgh2021–2022210150.00%4321.504833–31 (2022–23)31–33 (2022–23)00
    Italy Zebre Parma2022–20232200100.00%12361.501978–12 (2021–22)12–78 (2021–22)11
    Ireland Munster2022–2022210150.00%4623.005529–24 (2021–22)31–17 (2021–22)00
    Wales Scarlets2022–2023320166.67%14849.337063–21 (2023–24)37–28 (2022–23)02
    Wales Dragons2022–20232200100.00%8442.003455–20 (2021–22)20–55 (2021–22)01
    Ireland Ulster2022–2023210150.00%5728.504834–16 (2021–22)32–23 (2022–23)00
    Scotland Glasgow Warriors2022–2022210150.00%5025.005229–17 (2021–22)35–21 (2021–22)00
    Wales Ospreys2022–20222200100.00%8140.505743–26 (2022–23)31–38 (2021–22)10
    France Lyon2022–2023210150.00%4924.506742–36 (2022–23)36–42 (2022–23)10
    England Exeter Chiefs2022–2023210150.00%5326.507239–28 (2022–23)44–14 (2022–23)00
    France Toulouse2023–202310010.00%99.00339–33 (2022–23)33–9 (2022–23)00
    Overall2021–2023533102258.49158729.94128578–12 vs Zebre (2022–23)47–20 vs Sharks (2022–23)85
    • All these stats include playoff matches (qualifiers, semi-finals and finals)
    • United Rugby Championship fixtures added 2021–22 – 2022–23
    • European Rugby Champions Cup fixtures added 2022–23
    • 2021 Pro14 Rainbow Cup included.
    • Correct as of 23 October 2023

    Overall results by opponent in all competitions

    The complete results for the Bulls vs different opponents in all competitions

    Super Rugby, Super Rugby Unlocked, Preparation Series, Pro14 Rainbow Cup, United Rugby Championship, European Rugby Champions Cup, Toyota Challenge
    Opposition Span Played Won Drawn Lost Win% Points for Average PF Points against Best score Worst score 40–49 points 50+ points
    South Africa Sharks1996–2022422531459.52%97523.2193543–9 (2021) Rainbow Cup47–20 (2022–23) URC50
    Australia Waratahs1996–2019221201054.55%50623.0060948–38 (2010) Super Rugby53–7 (2001) Super Rugby10
    New Zealand Highlanders1996–202023721430.43%56824.7064459–29 (1996) Super Rugby65–23 (1999) Super Rugby22
    Australia Reds1996–2020231001343.48%61426.7052192–3 (2007) Super Rugby48–12 (2002) Super Rugby22
    New Zealand Crusaders1996–2019271001737.04%62623.1990940–35 (2010) Super Rugby75–27 (2000) Super Rugby10
    New Zealand Blues1996–202023721430.43%58825.5775959–26 (2009) Super Rugby65–24 (2002) Super Rugby21
    New Zealand Chiefs1996–201923821334.78%63627.6574561–17 (2009) Super Rugby Final53–24 (2002) Super Rugby11
    South Africa Lions1996–2023362211361.11%103328.6992862–52 (2004) Super Rugby57–24 (1999) Super Rugby22
    New Zealand Hurricanes1996–2019221001245.45%56725.7760248–14 (2013) Super Rugby64–32 (1997) Super Rugby40
    Australia Brumbies1996–201923801534.78%56824.7067250–32 (2010) Super Rugby73–9 (1999) Super Rugby11
    South Africa Stormers1996–2023441712638.64%101022.9598175–14 (2005) Super Rugby42–19 (1999) Super Rugby31
    South Africa Cheetahs1997–202222160672.73%66930.4149660–20 (2008) Super Rugby42–29 (2015) Super Rugby23
    Australia Force2006–20161060460.00%26426.4022142–20 (2016) Super Rugby30–27 (2007) Super Rugby10
    Australia Rebels2011–2019760185.71%25336.1412547–10 (2011) Super Rugby35–41 (2012) Super Rugby40
    South Africa Southern Kings2013–2017430175.00%15037.505548–18 (2013) Super Rugby31–30 (2017) Super Rugby10
    Japan Sunwolves2016–2018530260.00%17134.2011450–3 (2016) Super Rugby42–37 (2018) Super Rugby01
    Argentina Jaguares2016–2020720528.57%16022.8621843–34 (2018) Super Rugby54–25 (2018) Super Rugby10
    South Africa Griquas2020–20201100100.00%3030.002330–23 (2020) Super Rugby Unlocked23–30 (2020) Super Rugby Unlocked00
    South Africa Pumas2020–20212200100.00%6934.503648–31 (2020) Preparation Series31–48 (2020) Preparation Series10
    South Africa Eastern Province Elephants2021–20211100100.00%8787.001087–10 (2021) Preparation Series10–87 (2021) Preparation Series01
    Italy Benetton2021–2022320166.67%9832.678646–29 (2021–22) URC35–8 (2021) Rainbow Cup Final20
    Ireland Leinster2021–2023320166.67%9230.676462–7 (2022–23) URC31–3 (2021–22) URC01
    Ireland Connacht2021–2022210150.00%3517.504828–14 (2022–23) URC34–7 (2021–22) URC00
    Wales Cardiff2021–20222200100.00%7437.002845–9 (2022–23) URC19–29 (2021–22) URC10
    Scotland Edinburgh2021–2022210150.00%4321.504833–31 (2022–23) URC31–33 (2022–23) URC00
    Italy Zebre Parma2022–20232200100.00%12361.501978–12 (2022–23) URC12–78 (2022–23) URC11
    Ireland Munster2022–2022210150.00%4623.005529–24 (2021–22) URC31–17 (2022–23) URC00
    Wales Scarlets2022–2023320166.67%14849.337063–21 (2023–24) URC37–28 (2022–23) URC02
    Wales Dragons2022–20232200100.00%8442.003455–20 (2021–22) URC20–55 (2021–22) URC01
    Ireland Ulster2022–2023210150.00%5728.504834–16 (2021–22) URC32–23 (2022–23) URC00
    Scotland Glasgow Warriors2022–2022210150.00%5025.005229–17 (2021–22) URC35–21 (2022–23) URC00
    Wales Ospreys2022–20222200100.00%8140.505743–26 (2022–23) URC31–38 (2021–22) URC10
    France Lyon2022–2023210150.00%4924.506742–36 (2022–23) Heineken Cup36–42 (2022–23) Heineken Cup10
    England Exeter Chiefs2022–2023210150.00%5326.507239–28 (2022–23) Heineken Cup44–14 (2022–23) Heineken Cup00
    France Toulouse2023–202310010.00%99.00339–33 (2022–23) Heineken Cup33–9 (2022–23) Heineken Cup00
    Super Rugby1996–20203351581116647.16%862625.75887592–3 vs Reds (2007)75–27 vs Crusaders (2000)3014
    Super Rugby Unlocked2020–2020650183.33%17829.679241–14 vs Sharks (2021)25–30 vs Lions (2021)10
    Preparation Series2021–2021430175.00%18145.2511587–10 vs Eastern Province Elephants (2021)45–12 vs Sharks (2021)11
    United Rugby Championship2021–2023412401758.54%128531.3496178–12 vs Zebre (2022–23)47–20 vs Sharks (2022–23)65
    Pro14 Rainbow Cup2021–2021750271.43%19127.2915243–9 vs Sharks (2021)35–8 vs Benetton (2021)10
    European Rugby Champions Cup2022–2023520340.00%11122.2017242–36 vs Lyon (2022–23)44–14 vs Exeter Chiefs (2022–23)10
    Toyota Challenge2022–202210010.00%1414.001714–17 vs Cheetahs (2022)17–14 vs Cheetahs (2022)00
    Overall1996–20233991971119149.37%1058626.531038492–3 vs Reds (2007)75–27 vs Crusaders (2000)4020

    Other notable results:

    Date Opponent Location Result Bulls score Opponent score Notes
    1 February 2001 Fiji Developmental side Fiji Lost 27 35 Report
    3 February 2001 Fiji Fiji Won 33 19 Report
    7 February 2001 Fiji Warriors Fiji Won 19 14 Report
    31 January 2015 England Saracens Allianz Park, London Won 39 26 Report
    17 July 2021 South Africa A Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town Won 17 14 Report

    Bulls records

    United Rugby Championship (Rainbow Cup), Heineken Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup and Super Rugby records
    Individual Records United Rugby Championship Heineken Cup EPCR Challenge Cup Super Rugby
    Most points 320 by Chris Smith (2021 – present)16 by Chris Smith,Morné SteynN/A1487 by Morné Steyn (2005 – 30 July 2013 – 124 games)
    Most tries 16 by Marcell Coetzee (2021 – present)2 by Bernard van der Linde, Chris Smit, Stravino Jacobs, Wandisile SimelaneN/A37 by Bryan Habana (2005–09) 2nd Akona Ndungane 33 tries (2005–14)
    Most conversions 74 by Chris Smith (2021 – present)8 by Morné SteynN/A245 by Morné Steyn
    Most penalty kicks 48 by Chris Smith (2021 – present)4 by Chris SmithN/A283 by Morné Steyn
    Most drop goals 1 by Chris Smith (2021 – present)record not setN/A26 by Morné Steyn
    Match Records United Rugby Championship Heineken Cup EPCR Challenge Cup Super Rugby
    Biggest victory. 78–12 (v. Zebre, 2023)39-28 (v. Exeter Chiefs, 2023)N/A92–3 (v. Queensland Reds, 2007)
    Largest points for 78 (v. Zebre, 2023)42 (v. Lyon, 2022)N/A92 (v. Queensland Reds, 2007)
    Biggest defeat 20–47 (v. Sharks, 2022)14-44 (v. Exeter Chiefs, 2022)N/A9–73 (v ACT Brumbies, 1999)
    Most points conceded 47 (v. Sharks, 2022)44 (v. Exeter Chiefs, 2022)N/A75 (v Crusaders, 2000)
    Most tries: 11 (v. Zebre, 2023)6 (v. Lyon, 2022),(v. Exeter Chiefs, 2023)N/A13 (v Queensland Reds, 2007)
    Most tries conceded 5 tries on four occasions6 (v. Exeter Chiefs, 2022)N/A11 (v Crusaders, 2000)
    Most points by a player 23 by Johan Goosen (v. Zebre 2023)12 by Morné Steyn (v. Lyon, 2022)N/A35 by Morné Steyn (v Stormers, 2005, v Brumbies 2010)
    Most tries by a player 3 (hat-trick) by Cornal Hendricks (v. Ospreys, 2022),Canan Moodie (v. Zebre 2023)2 by Bernard van der Linde (v. Lyon, 2022),Wandisile Simelane (v. Exeter Chiefs, 2023)N/A3 by Adriaan Richter (v Blues, 1997), Fourie du Preez (v Cats, 2004), Wynand Olivier (v Rebels, 2011), Bjorn Basson (v Rebels, 2016), Warrick Gelant (v Sharks, 2017), Adriaan Strauss (v Stormers, 2018), Warrick Gelant (v Sharks, 2018), Rosko Specman (v Highlanders, 2020)
    Most conversions by a player 10 by Johan Goosen (v. Zebre 2023)6 by Morné Steyn (v. Lyon, 2022)N/A11 by Derick Hougaard (v Queensland Reds, 2007)
    Most penalties by a player 5 by Morné Steyn (v. Sharks, 2021), Chris Smith (v. Cardiff 2021), Chris Smith (v. Munster 2022)3 by Chris Smith (v. Toulouse, 2023)N/A8 by Jannie de Beer (v. Highlanders, 1996, then Northern Transvaal), Derick Hougaard (v. Crusaders, 2007)
    Most drop goals by a player 1 by Chris Smith (v. Sharks 2022)record not setN/A4 by Morné Steyn (v Crusaders, 2009)
    Winning Streaks United Rugby Championship Heineken Cup EPCR Challenge Cup Super Rugby
    Most consecutive victories 5 (25 February 2022 – 9 April 2022 & 23 April 2022 – 10 June 2022)1 victoryN/A12 (25 April 2009 – 27 March 2010)
    Season Records United Rugby Championship Heineken Cup EPCR Challenge Cup Super Rugby
    Most points 634 (2022–23)111 (2022–23)N/A500 (2010)
    Most team tries 81 (2022–23)15 (2022–23)N/A59 (2018)
    Most team conversions 67 (2022–23)12 (2022–23)N/A47 (2018)
    Most team penalties 31 (2021–22, 2022–23)4 (2022–23)N/A62 (2010)
    Most team drop goals 1 (2021–22)record not setN/A11 (2009)
    Most points by a player 153 by Chris Smith (2021–22)16 by Chris Smith, Morné Steyn (2022–23)N/A263 by Morné Steyn (2010 – Super Rugby record)
    Most tries by a player 11 by Marcell Coetzee (2021–22)2 by Chris Smit, Wandisile Simelane, Bernard van der Linde, Stravino Jacobs (2022–23)N/A11 by Bjorn Basson (2012)
    Most conversions by a player 38 by Chris Smith (2021–22)8 by Morné Steyn (2022–23)N/A38 by Morné Steyn (2010)
    Most penalty kicks by a player 23 by Chris Smith (2021–22)4 by Chris Smith (2022–23)N/A51 Morné Steyn (2010 – Super Rugby Record)
    Most drop goals by a player 1 by Chris Smith (2021–22)record not setN/A11 by Morné Steyn (2009, Super Rugby Record)

    All Time Records
    Individual Records Held by
    Most points 1708 by Morné Steyn (2005 – present)
    Most tries 37 by Bryan Habana (2005–2009)
    Most conversions 309 by Morné Steyn (2005 – present)
    Most penalty kicks 314 by Morné Steyn (2005 – present)
    Most drop goals 26 by Morné Steyn (2005 – present)
    Penalty tries 9 (5 points) 6 (7 points)

    Play-off honours
    Finals Semi-finals Quarter-finals
    SeasonResultDateSeasonResultDateSeasonResultDate
    2007Won the Super 14 final 20–19 against the Sharks19 May 20071996Lost 11–48 to Blues19 May 19962012Lost 13–28 to Crusaders21 July 2012
    2009Won the Super 14 final 61–17 against the Chiefs30 May 20092005Lost 13–23 to Waratahs21 May 20052019Lost 28–35 to Hurricanes22 June 2019
    2010Won the Super 14 final 25–17 against the Stormers29 May 20102006Lost 15–35 to Crusaders20 May 20062023Lost 33-21 to Stormers6 May 2023
    2021Lost the Pro 14 Rainbow Cup final 8–35 against Benetton19 June 20212013Lost 23–26 to Brumbies27 July 2013
    2022Lost the United Rugby Championship final 13–18 against the Stormers18 June 2022

    Trophies and Honours
    • Team of the Year for the 2010 season
    • Team of the Year for the 2020 season

    Major Honours
    Major Honours
    Competition No of titles Runner-up Semi-finalists Quarter-finalists Qualifying-finalists Round of 16
    Super Rugby(3) 2007, 2009, 2010(0)(4) 1996, 2005, 2006, 2013(1) 2019(1) 2012
    Super Rugby Conference trophy(1) 2013(3) 2012, 2014, 2019
    United Rugby Championship(0)(1) 2021–22(0)(1) 2022–23
    United Rugby Championship SA Shield(0)(2) 2021–22, 2022–23
    Pro14 Rainbow Cup(0)(1) 2021
    Super Rugby Unlocked(1) 2020(0)
    European Rugby Champions Cup(0)(0)(0)(0)(1) 2022–23
    EPCR Challenge Cup(0)(0)

    Minor Honours
    Minor honours
    Competition Number of titles Runner-up
    Gauteng Rugby Cup(1) 2013(0)
    Sanlam Challenge Shield(1) 2015(0)
    Lafarge Zimbabwe Champions Cup(0)(1) 2016
    World Club 10s(2) 2017, 2018(0)
    Officeconomix Goodwill Challenge(1) 2022(0)
    Toyota Challenge(0)(1) 2022

    Season-by-season record
    Bulls season standings and results
    CompetitionSeason Pos PWDLPFPAPDBPPtsPlayoffsSeason ResultConference/ShieldTop points scorerPointsTop try scorerTries
    Heineken Cup
    2023–24 N/A
    2022–23 7th 4202102139-37210Lost Round of 16 9-33 vs ToulouseRound of 16N/AChris Smith, Morné Steyn16Chris Smit, Wandisile Simelane, Bernard van der Linde, Stravino Jacobs2
    United Rugby Championship
    2023–24 N/A
    2022–23 6th 181008613448+1651353Lost quarter-final 21-33 to StormersQuarter-finalists2nd – Runners upChris Smith129Canan Moodie8
    2021–22 4th 181107518388+1301458Lost final 13-18 to Stormers.Runners up🥈2nd – Runners upChris Smith153Marcell Coetzee11
    Pro14 Rainbow Cup 2021 1st 6501183117+66525Lost final 35–8 to Benetton.Runners up🥈N/AMorné Steyn53Madosh Tambwe4
    Preparation Series 2021 1st 4301181115+66315No trophy or playoffsTop of pool AN/AChris Smith38Joe van Zyl4
    Super Rugby Unlocked 2020 1st 650117892+86323No playoffs1st – Champions🏆N/AMorné Steyn62Stedman Gans5
    Super Rugby
    2020 12th 6105115152-3716Season cancelled due to COVID-194thMorné Steyn40Rosko Specman4
    2019 5th 16826410369+41341Lost quarterfinals 35–28 to the Hurricanes.Quarter-finalists2nd – Runners upHandré Pollard194Cornal Hendricks, Rosko Specman, Hanro Liebenberg5
    2018 12th 166010441502-612295thHandré Pollard144Jesse Kriel8
    2017 15th 154011339459-1204203rdTian Schoeman80Jesse Kriel5
    2016 9th 15915399339+604424thFrancois Brummer109Adriaan Strauss, Travis Ismaiel6
    2015 9th 16709397388+910383rdHandré Pollard167Francois Hougaard7
    2014 9th 16718365335+308382nd – Runners upJacques-Louis Potgieter144Jono Ross4
    2013 2nd 161204448330+118763Lost semi-final 23–26 to the Brumbies.Semi-Finalists1st – Champions 🏆Morné Steyn248Jano Vermaak5
    2012 5th 161006472369+1031159Lost qualifiers 28–13 to the Crusaders.Qualifying-finalists2nd – Runners upMorné Steyn228Bjorn Basson10
    2011 7th 161006416370+466543rdMorné Steyn216Bjorn Basson9
    Super 14 2010 1st 131003436345+91747Defeated the Stormers 25–17Champions 🏆 3rdN/AMorné Steyn263Gerhard van den Heever8
    2009 1st 131003338271+67646Defeated the Chiefs 61–17Champions 🏆 2ndN/AMorné Steyn191Bryan Habana8
    2008 10th 13607324347−23428N/AMorné Steyn80Akona Ndungane7
    2007 1st 13904388223+165642Defeated the Sharks 19–20Champions🏆 1stN/ADerick Hougaard161Bryan Habana8
    2006 4th 13715355290+65838Lost semi-final 35–15 to Crusaders.Semi-FinalistsN/ADerick Hougaard93Bryan Habana7
    Super 12
    2005 3rd 11704301229+72634Lost semi-final 23–13 to Waratahs.Semi-FinalistsN/AMorne Steyn110Bryan Habana9
    2004 6th 11515302320−18628N/ADerick Hougaard101Fourie du Preez5
    2003 6th 11605320354−34530N/ALouis Koen139Frikkie Welsh5
    2002 12th 110011232500−26811N/ABoeta Wessels29Adrian Jacobs, Wylie Human5
    2001 12th 11209241378−137311N/ACasper Steyn97Frikkie Welsh, Friedrich Lombard, Adrian Jacobs4
    2000 11th 11128231395−164311N/AJannie de Beer123Deon de Kock3
    1999 12th 111010203447−24437N/AFranco Smith59Jan-Harm van Wyk, Schutte Bekker, Pierre Ribbens2
    1998 11th 11308249306−57416N/AFranco Smith65Casper Steyn5
    1997 8th 11335264342−78422N/ACasper Steyn50Jacques Olivier4
    1996 4th 11803329208+121638Lost semi-final 48–11 to Auckland Blues.Semi-FinalistsN/AJannie Kruger139Adriaan Richter4
    Super 10 (amateur era) 1995 Did not qualifyN/A
    1994 Did not qualifyN/A
    1993 3rd 4202109109008N/A

    Gold background denotes champions
    Silver background denotes runner-up
    Bronze background denotes semi-finalists
    Cyan background denotes quarter-finalists
    Purple background denotes Round of 16

    ↑ After entering the Champions Cup/Heineken Cup competition from the EPCR Challenge Cup

    ↓ After dropping into the EPCR Challenge Cup competition from the Champions Cup/Heineken Cup

    Key: Super 10 Super 12 Super 14 Super Rugby Super Rugby Unlocked Preparation Series Pro 14 Rainbow Cup United Rugby Championship European Rugby Champions Cup EPCR Challenge Cup

    References
    1. "Rugby-Bulls blitz Reds 92–3 to earn home semi-final". Reuters. 5 May 2007. Retrieved 6 May 2007.
    2. "Jake White on 'sleeping giant' Bulls' title win: The Liverpool of rugby has awakened". News24. Retrieved 10 October 2021.
    3. "White wanted Bulls to remain only SA Super Rugby winners". SA Rugby. Retrieved 10 October 2021.
    4. "Benetton 35-8 Bulls: Benetton stun Bulls to win Rainbow Cup". skysports. Retrieved 10 October 2021.
    5. "United Rugby Championship: Cardiff 19-29 Bulls". BBC. Retrieved 10 October 2021.
    6. "Sports stadiums in South Africa". SouthAfrica.info. Archived from the original on 3 January 2013. Retrieved 6 May 2007.
    7. "Loftus Versfeld – History". Vodacom Blue Bulls. Archived from the original on 4 October 2007. Retrieved 6 May 2007.
    8. "2023/24 Vodacom Bulls squad confirmed". Bulls Rugby. 9 August 2023. Retrieved 9 August 2023.
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