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Bulls (rugby union)

South African rugby union team


South African rugby union team

FieldValue
teamnameBulls
imageBulls rugby logo.jpg
imagesize200px
unionSouth African Rugby Union
locationPretoria, South Africa
countryflagSouth Africa
emblemBarberton Daisy, Bull
founded1938
regionGauteng
groundLoftus Versfeld Stadium
capacity51,762
coachJohan Ackermann (URC, ERCC & CC)
Phiwe Nomlomo (CC)
captainRuan Nortjé (URC & ERCC)
Nama Xaba (CC)
appearancesNaas Botha (179)
top scorerNaas Botha (2511)
most triesBryan Habana (37)
leagueUnited Rugby Championship
European Rugby Champions Cup
Currie Cup
season2024–25 & 2025
positionURC Runners-up
South African Shield: 3rd
2nd overall
2025 CC
6th overall
urlhttps://bullsrugby.co.za/
pattern_la1_navyborder
pattern_b1_vnecknavy
pattern_ra1_navyborder
pattern_so1_navystripe
leftarm175C2EE
body175C2EE
rightarm175C2EE
shorts10A3A79
socks175C2EE
pattern_la2_navyborder
pattern_b2_vneckwhite
pattern_ra2_navyborder
pattern_so2_navystripe
leftarm2E6F7FF
body2E6F7FF
rightarm2E6F7FF
shorts2ffffff
socks2ffffff
currentseason2025–26 Bulls (rugby union) season

Phiwe Nomlomo (CC) Nama Xaba (CC) European Rugby Champions Cup Currie Cup South African Shield: 3rd 2nd overall 2025 CC 6th overall The Bulls (known for sponsorship reasons as the Vodacom Bulls) are a South African professional rugby union team based in Pretoria. They play their home matches at Loftus Versfeld. They compete in the United Rugby Championship, having competed in the Super Rugby competition until 2020 and the domestic Currie Cup competition.

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.

Formerly known as Northern Transvaal the side has competed in the Currie Cup since 1937 before becoming the Bulls in 1997.

History

Northern Transvaal

The team as it is known today has its beginnings in 1938 when the then Northern Transvaal Rugby Union broke away from the Transvaal Rugby Football Union to gain status as an independent rugby union. The new team was named Northern Transvaal and donned light blue jerseys with a red Barberton Daisy emblem. However, in their very first match, they played in the red and gold hooped jerseys of the Pretoria Combined team that often "locked horns" with teams touring South Africa (red and gold being the colors of Pretoria).

Lion Cup

Northern Transvaal participated in the Lion Cup between 1983 and 1994. The Lion Cup was a domestic rugby union knock-out competition held in South Africa. Northern Transvaal tasted success in the competition on three occasions, winning the competition in 1985, 1990 and 1991. They also finished as runners-up three times in 1987, 1988 and 1989. Northern Transvaal claimed the Lion Cup 62–6 against in 1991 which is one of the biggest victories ever in a final.

Currie Cup / Central Series

The Northern Transvaal rugby team participated in the Currie Cup / Central Series from 1986 to 1994. The competition saw the top Currie Cup teams play the Currie Cup Central A teams, with the Currie Cup team with the best playing record awarded the Percy Frames Trophy. Northern Transvaal was the most successful team, claiming six consecutive titles between 1987 and 1992.

Early franchise 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)

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. At Loftus, the Bulls defeated the Reds 92 points to 3, with the 89-point margin of victory setting a new Super rugby record. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Rivalries

Through the years the rivalry between the Blue Bulls and Western Province has become legendary, and a clash between these two sides is one of the Currie Cup's biggest rivalries. The first time that the two sides met in an actual Currie Cup final was in 1946, which was also Northern Transvaal's first final contest. The match was played at Northern Transvaal's home ground at Loftus Versfeld, and saw the Western Province go down 11 to 9.

After meeting in numerous other finals following 1946, it would not be until the 1982 season, when the Western Province would defeat Northern Transvaal in a Currie Cup final. In the 1980s the two sides met in six Currie Cup finals, with the Western Province winning three of them and one being drawn. One of the most recent Currie Cup seasons when both sides made it to the final was the 1998 season: The Blue Bulls beat the Western Province by four points, 24 to 20, at Loftus Versfeld.

In recent years, the great rivalry between the Blue Bulls and Western Province has faded. It has been many years since the decades that these two teams dominated the Currie Cup competition and new rivalries have come to the foreground. Many Blue Bull fans actually agree that the rivalry has shifted towards Free State, especially after both teams qualified for the Currie Cup final for the third consecutive year in 2006. Statistics have shown that Loftus Versfeld currently experiences more incidents of bad behaviour during Bulls home games against Free State and the Sharks, than during any other games in the season, including those against Western Province.

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. The stadium has undergone numerous renovations over the years, and is currently capable of holding 51,762 spectators.

Primary sponsor

Since 2005, the team's main sponsor has been mobile communications company Vodacom. On the team's website and all team-issued press releases, the Bulls are referred to as the Vodacom Bulls.

Current squad

The Bulls squad for the 2025–26 United Rugby Championship is:

Bulls United Rugby Championship squad
(c) Denotes team captain, Bold denotes internationally capped, ST denotes a short-term signing.

The following players have been included so far in the Blue Bulls squad for the 2025 Currie Cup Premier Division:

Blue Bulls Currie Cup squad
(c) Denotes team captain, Bold denotes internationally capped, [[File:Injury icon 2.svg12px]] denotes a player ruled out for the season through injury and ADD denotes an additional player from outside the main squad.

Coaches

  • 1996: Dr John Williams
  • 1997: Kitch Christie
  • 1998–1999: Eugene van Wyk
  • 2000: Heyneke Meyer
  • 2001: Phil Pretorius
  • 2002: Heyneke Meyer
  • 2003: Rudi Joubert
  • 2004–2007: Heyneke Meyer
  • 2008–2015: Frans Ludeke
  • 2016–2017: Nollis Marais
  • 2018–2019: John Mitchell
  • 2019–2020: Pote Human
  • 2020–2025: Jake White
  • 2025–: Johan Ackerman

Captains

  • 1996–97: Ruben Kruger
  • 1998: Adriaan Richter
  • 1999: Schutte Bekker
  • 2000: Ruben Kruger
  • 2001: Joost van der Westhuizen
  • 2002: Chris le Roux
  • 2003: Joost van der Westhuizen
  • 2004: Victor Matfield
  • 2005: Anton Leonard
  • 2006–07: Victor Matfield
  • 2008: Fourie du Preez
  • 2009–11: Victor Matfield
  • 2012–13: Pierre Spies
  • 2014: Flip van der Merwe & Victor Matfield
  • 2015: Victor Matfield
  • 2016: Adriaan Strauss
  • 2017: Handré Pollard
  • 2018: Burger Odendaal
  • 2019: Lood de Jager
  • 2020: Burger Odendaal and Trevor Nyakane
  • 2020–21: Duane Vermeulen
  • 2021–present: Marcell Coetzee

Former players

Statistics

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, EPCR Challenge Cup, Toyota ChallengeOppositionSpanPlayedWonDrawnLostWin%Points forPPMAgaBest scoreWorst score40–49 points50+ pointsSuper Rugby1996–20203351581116647.16%862625.75887592–3 vs Reds (2007)75–27 vs Crusaders (2000)3014Super Rugby Unlocked2020–2020650183.33%17829.679241–14 vs Sharks (2021)25–30 vs Lions (2021)10Preparation Series2021–2021430175.00%18145.2511587–10 vs Eastern Province Elephants (2021)45–12 vs Sharks (2021)11United Rugby Championship2021–2025805202865.00%248431.05182578–12 vs Zebre (2022–23)47–14 vs Leinster (2023–24)1211Pro14 Rainbow Cup2021–2021750271.43%19127.2915243–9 vs Sharks (2021)35–8 vs Benetton (2021)10European Rugby Champions Cup2022–20251570846.67%40827.2046559–19 vs Lyon (2023–24)59–22 vs Northampton Saints (2023–24)31EPCR Challenge Cup2025–2025210150.00%6030.005632–22 vs Bayonne (2024–25)34–28 vs Edinburgh (2024–25)00Toyota Challenge2022–202210010.00%1414.001714–17 vs Cheetahs (2022)17–14 vs Cheetahs (2022)00Overall1996–20254502311120851.33%1214226.981159792–3 vs Reds (2007)75–27 vs Crusaders (2000)4827
1996–2025472831659.57%110623.53102144–10 (2023–24) URC47–20 (2022–23) URC60
1996–2019221201054.55%50623.0060948–38 (2010) Super Rugby53–7 (2001) Super Rugby10
1996–202023721430.43%56824.7064459–29 (1996) Super Rugby65–23 (1999) Super Rugby22
1996–2020231001343.48%61426.7052192–3 (2007) Super Rugby48–12 (2002) Super Rugby22
1996–2019271001737.04%62623.1990940–35 (2010) Super Rugby75–27 (2000) Super Rugby10
1996–202023721430.43%58825.5775959–26 (2009) Super Rugby65–24 (2002) Super Rugby21
1996–201923821334.78%63627.6574561–17 (2009) Super Rugby Final53–24 (2002) Super Rugby11
1996–2025392511364.10%112328.7998862–52 (2004) Super Rugby57–24 (1999) Super Rugby22
1996–2019221001245.45%56725.7760248–14 (2013) Super Rugby64–32 (1997) Super Rugby40
1996–201923801534.78%56824.7067250–32 (2010) Super Rugby73–9 (1999) Super Rugby11
1996–2025471812838.30%108623.11104875–14 (2005) Super Rugby42–19 (1999) Super Rugby41
1997–202222160672.73%66930.4149660–20 (2008) Super Rugby42–29 (2015) Super Rugby23
2006–20161060460.00%26426.4022142–20 (2016) Super Rugby30–27 (2007) Super Rugby10
2011–2019760185.71%25336.1412547–10 (2011) Super Rugby35–41 (2012) Super Rugby40
2013–2017430175.00%15037.505548–18 (2013) Super Rugby31–30 (2017) Super Rugby10
2016–2018530260.00%17134.2011450–3 (2016) Super Rugby42–37 (2018) Super Rugby01
2016–2020720528.57%16022.8621843–34 (2018) Super Rugby54–25 (2018) Super Rugby10
2020–20201100100.00%3030.002330–23 (2020) Super Rugby Unlocked23–30 (2020) Super Rugby Unlocked00
2020–20212200100.00%6934.503648–31 (2020) Preparation Series31–48 (2020) Preparation Series10
2021–20211100100.00%8787.001087–10 (2021) Preparation Series10–87 (2021) Preparation Series01
2021–2024650183.33%20133.5015956–35 (2023–24) URC35–8 (2021) Rainbow Cup Final21
2021–2025740257.14%15922.7118362–7 (2022–23) URC47–14 (2023–24) URC01
2021–2024430175.99%11629.008953–27 (2023–24) URC34–7 (2021–22) URC01
2021–20254400100.00%13734.256145–9 (2022–23) URC21–45 (2024–25) URC20
2021–2025630350.00%15826.3416242–33 (2024–25) URC34–28 (2024–25) URC10
2022–20254400100.00%24060.007278–12 (2022–23) URC29–54 (2023–24) URC13
2022–2025420260.00%8421.009529–24 (2021–22) URC31–17 (2022–23) URC00
2022–2024420250.67%17042.509363–21 (2023–24) URC37–28 (2022–23) URC02
2022–20254400100.00%17042.505955–15 (2024–25) URC20–55 (2021–22) URC02
2022–2024420250.00%12330.759547–21 (2024–25) URC32–23 (2022–23) URC10
2022–2025530260.00%13226.4012640–34 (2024–25) URC35–21 (2022–23) URC10
2022–20244400100.00%17142.7510061–24 (2023–24) URC31–38 (2021–22) URC11
2022–2024420250.00%13634.0011559–19 (2023–24) Heineken Cup36–42 (2022–23) Heineken Cup11
2022–2023210150.00%5326.507239–28 (2022–23) Heineken Cup44–14 (2022–23) Heineken Cup00
2023–202310010.00%99.00339–33 (2022–23) Heineken Cup33–9 (2022–23) Heineken Cup00
2023–2024210150.00%3216.004327–16 (2023–24) Heineken Cup27–5 (2024–25) Heineken Cup00
2024–20241100100.00%3131.001731–17 (2023–24) Heineken Cup17–31 (2022–23) Heineken Cup00
2024–20241100100.00%4646.004046–40 (2023–24) Heineken Cup40–46 (2022–23) Heineken Cup10
2024–202420020.00%4321.508922–59 (2023–24) Heineken Cup59–22 (2022–23) Heineken Cup00
2025–202510010.00%1010.004910–49 (2024–25)49–10 (2024–25)00
2025–20251100100.00%4848.00748–7 (2024–25)7–48 (2024–25)10
2025–20251100100.00%3232.002232–22 (2024–25)22–32 (2024–25)00
  • All these stats include playoff matches (qualifiers, semi-finals and finals)
  • All Super Rugby fixtures vs different opponents as Northern Transvaal 1996–1997 as Bulls 1998–2020 included
  • All 2020 Super Rugby Unlocked fixtures included
  • All 2021 Preparation Series fixtures included
  • 2021 Pro14 Rainbow Cup included
  • 2022 Toyota Challenge included
  • United Rugby Championship fixtures added 2021–222024–25
  • European Rugby Champions Cup included 2022–232024–25
  • Correct as of 7 December 2025

Results by opposition in the Currie Cup

Currie CupOppositionSpanPlayedWonDrawnLostWin%Points forPPMAgaBest scoreWorst score40-49 points50+ pointsBottomOverall1996–2025382242913163.35%1296933.959562147–8 SWD Eagles (1996)63–15 Pumas (2023)6760
1996–2025582922750.00%162327.98157564–29 (2003)63–26 (2003)83
1996–2025552942252.73%154428.07148364–36 (2017)57–27 (1997)44
1996–2025492802157.14%142028.98134354–22 (2017)62–23 (2013)63
1996–2025473601176.60%188740.15119377–30 (2001)58–37 (2000)1810
1996–202514120285.71%64446.0028172–16 (2009)35–26 (2016) Qualification27
1996–201617141282.35%67339.5931680–22 (1996)36–33 (2000) Bankfin Cup44
1996–201614130192.86%70950.64255147–8 (1996)32–36 (1999)25
1996–20241190281.82%55950.8224889–31 (1999)37–43 (2000) Bankfin Cup17
1997–2025511823135.29%126024.71128364–0 (2025)39–27 (2011)72
1997–202532250778.13%108033.7576166–3 (2006)63–15 (2023)64
1997–201612100283.33%50341.9232569–28 (2005) Qualification50–48 (2002)52
1997–201615140193.33%73749.1335692–21 (2011)51–26 (2016) Qualification36
1997–2016640266.67%23539.1713159–21 (1998)26–23 (2000)12
2016–20161100100.00%9595.001295–12 (2016) Qualification12–95 (2016) Qualification01
  • All this data includes all playoff matches (quarterfinals, semi-finals and finals)
  • 2000, 2001, 2002, 2005 and 2016 Currie Cup Qualification results included.
  • 2000 Bankfin Cup results included.
  • Correct as of 7 December 2025

Bulls XV

The Blue Bulls Vodacom Cup and SuperSport Rugby Challenge results vs different opponents 1998-2019

Added together based on the fact that both competitions serves as the second tier in South African rugby. In some of these fixtures, the Blue Bulls were represented by the .

Vodacom Cup and Rugby ChallengeOppositionSpanPlayedWonDrawnLostWin%Points forPPMAgaBest scoreWorst score40-49 points50+ pointsBottomOverall1998–201920413626666.67%726935.635157114–0 vs Limpopo Blue Bulls Vodacom Cup 201463–27 Vs Golden Lions (2002)3933
1998–2019281301546.43%82729.5487262–24 (2019)63–27 (2002)34
1998–201923181478.26%80535.0056663–36 (2019)41–45 (1999)62
1998–201922911240.91%61327.8663549–16 (2005)51–22 (1999)30
1998–201921160576.19%82339.1946274–14 (2013)39–21 (2002)26
1998–201919901047.37%54228.5355052–20 (2002)40–25 (2000)61
1998–201915140193.33%63142.0729989–10 (2013)36–25 (1999)34
1998–20171170463.64%31628.7325851–18 (2004)57–27 (1998)11
1999–2019101000100.00%62562.5020392–7 (2017)34–58 (2010)27
2000–20171160554.55%32829.8223860–33 (2002)37–35 (2008)21
2001–2011970277.78%34438.2226250–29 (2002)45–47 (2002)41
2001–201514130192.85%52637.5738268–22 (2008)50–23 (2004)51
2001–2011750271.43%25937.0012552–12 (2001)33–26 (2005)02
2001–2011530260.00%15430.8013446–31 (2002)33–27 (2008)10
2006–2013430175.00%13834.5011743–22 (2006)34–31 (2013)10
2011–201120020.00%3115.504122–27 (2011)27–22 (2011)00
2013–20153300100.00%307102.3313114–0 (2014)13–83 (2015)03
  • Fixtures as the included.
  • All this data includes all playoff matches (quarterfinals, semi-finals and finals)
  • All fixtures added 1998 - 2019

Other notable results:

DateOpponentLocationResultBulls scoreOpponent scoreNotes
1 February 2001Fiji Developmental sideFijiLost2735Report
3 February 2001FijiFijiWon3319Report
7 February 2001Fiji WarriorsFijiWon1914Report
31 January 2015Allianz Park, LondonWon3926Report
17 July 2021South Africa ACape Town Stadium, Cape TownWon1714Report

Bulls records

United Rugby Championship (Rainbow Cup), Heineken Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup and Super Rugby records

Individual Records

Individual RecordsUnited Rugby ChampionshipHeineken CupEPCR Challenge CupSuper Rugby
Most points388 by Chris Smith58 by Johan Goosen15 by David Kriel1487 by Morné Steyn
Most tries24 by Kurt-Lee Arendse4 by David Kriel, Sebastian de Klerk, Marcell Coetzee, Embrose Papier, Cameron Hanekom3 by David Kriel37 by Bryan Habana (2005–09) 2nd Akona Ndungane 33 tries (2005–14)
Most conversions92 by Chris Smith18 by Johan Goosen3 by Johan Goosen, Keagan Johannes245 by Morné Steyn
Most penalty kicks57 by Chris Smith8 by Chris Smith1 by Johan Goosen, Keagan Johannes283 by Morné Steyn
Most drop goals1 by Chris Smithrecord not setrecord not set26 by Morné Steyn

Match Records

Match RecordsUnited Rugby ChampionshipHeineken CupEPCR Challenge CupSuper Rugby
Biggest victory.78–12 (v. , 2023)59-19 (v. , 2024)32-22 (v. , 2025)92–3 (v. Queensland Reds, 2007)
Largest points for78 (v. , 2023)59 (v. , 2024)32 (v. , 2025)92 (v. Queensland Reds, 2007)
Biggest defeat14–47 (v. , 2024)22-59 (v. , 2024)34-28 (v. , 2025)9–73 (v ACT Brumbies, 1999)
Most points conceded47 (v. , 2022), (v. , 2024)59 (v. , 2024)34 (v. , 2025)75 (v Crusaders, 2000)
Most tries:11 (v. , 2023)9 (v. , 2024)4 tries on two occasions13 (v Queensland Reds, 2007)
Most tries conceded7 (v. , 2024)9 (v. , 2024)4 (v. , 2025)11 (v , 2000)
Most points by a player23 by Johan Goosen (v. 2023)13 by Chris Smith (v. , 2023)10 by David Kriel (v. , 2025)35 by Morné Steyn (v , 2005, v 2010)
Most tries by a player3 (hat-trick) by Cornal Hendricks (v. Ospreys, 2022),Canan Moodie (v. 2023),David Kriel (v. 2023), Canan Moodie (v. 2024), Johan Grobbelaar (v. Ospreys, 2025)2 tries on 5 occasions2 by David Kriel (v. , 2025)3 by Adriaan Richter (v. , 1997), Fourie du Preez (v. , 2004), Wynand Olivier (v. , 2011), Bjorn Basson (v. , 2016), Warrick Gelant (v. , 2017), Adriaan Strauss (v. , 2018), Warrick Gelant (v. , 2018), Rosko Specman (v. , 2020)
Most conversions by a player10 by Johan Goosen (v. 2023)6 by Morné Steyn (v. , 2022)2 on two occasions11 by Derick Hougaard (v. Queensland Reds, 2007)
Most penalties by a player5 by Morné Steyn (v. Sharks, 2021), Chris Smith (v. Cardiff 2021), Chris Smith (v. 2022)3 by Chris Smith (v. , 2023), Chris Smith (v. , 2023)1 on two occasions8 by Jannie de Beer (v. , 1996), Derick Hougaard (v. , 2007)
Most drop goals by a player1 by Chris Smith (v. 2022), Keagan Johannes (v. 2025)record not setrecord not set4 by Morné Steyn (v. , 2009)

Winning Streaks

Winning StreaksUnited Rugby ChampionshipHeineken CupEPCR Challenge CupSuper Rugby
Most consecutive victories6 (27 April 2024 – 22 June 2024)3 victories1 victory12 (25 April 2009 – 27 March 2010)

Season Records

Season RecordsUnited Rugby ChampionshipHeineken CupEPCR Challenge CupSuper Rugby
Most points710 (2023–24)213 (2023–24)60 (2024-25)500 (2010)
Most team tries92 (2023–24)28 (2023–24)8 (2024-25)59 (2018)
Most team conversions70 (2023–24)23 (2023–24)6 (2024-25)47 (2018)
Most team penalties36 (2023–24)9 (2023–24)2 (2024-25)62 (2010)
Most team drop goals1 (2021–22)record not setrecord not set11 (2009)
Most points by a player167 by Johan Goosen (2023–24)41 by Johan Goosen15 by David Kriel263 by Morné Steyn (2010 – Super Rugby record)
Most tries by a player12 by Akker van der Merwe (2023–24)3 by David Kriel, Marcell Coetzee, Embrose Papier, Sebastian de Klerk (2023–24)3 by David Kriel11 by Bjorn Basson (2012)
Most conversions by a player45 by Johan Goosen (2023–24)16 by Johan Goosen (2023–24)3 by Johan Goosen, Keagan Johannes38 by Morné Steyn (2010)
Most penalty kicks by a player24 by Johan Goosen (2023–24)4 by Chris Smith (2022–23)&(2023–24)1 by Johan Goosen, Keagan Johannes51 Morné Steyn (2010 – Super Rugby Record)
Most drop goals by a player1 by Chris Smith (2021–22)record not setrecord not set11 by Morné Steyn (2009, Super Rugby Record)
  • Correct as of 13 April 2025 (United Rugby Championship not updated with current season yet)
  • Pro14 Rainbow Cup also included as URC points.

Season Awards

United Rugby Championship

United Rugby Championship Team of the Year

The following Bulls players were selected in the URC team of the year.

SeasonPlayers
2021–22Johan Grobbelaar, Ruan Nortjé, Marcell Coetzee https://www.unitedrugby.com/latest/news/the-united-rugby-championship-dream-team-has-been-named
2022–23Kurt-Lee Arendse https://www.unitedrugby.com/latest/news/urc-awards-2022-23-elite-xv-has-been-named
2023–24Wilco Louw, Akker van der Merwe, Ruan Nortjé(2), Elrigh Louw, Cameron Hanekom, Kurt-Lee Arendse(2) https://www.unitedrugby.com/awards/2023-24
2023–24Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Wilco Louw (2), Cameron Hanekom (2) https://www.unitedrugby.com/awards/hall-of-fame#2024-2025

United Rugby Championship Golden Boot

The Golden Boot is awarded to the kicker who has successfully converted the highest percentage of place kicksTo be eligible, the player must have taken at least 20 kicks at goal.

SeasonWinnerPercentage
2022–23Johan Goosen90%
2023–24Chris Smith90%

United Rugby Championship Ironman of the Year

The award for having played the most minutes in the URC during the season.

SeasonPlayers
2021–22Ruan Nortjé (1,394)

United Rugby Championship Next-Gen Player of the Year

The award is to recognize young up and coming talent.

SeasonPlayers
2024–25Cameron Hanekom

All Time Records

Individual RecordsHeld by
Most points1708 by Morné Steyn (2005 – 2023)
Most tries37 by Bryan Habana (2005–2009)
Most conversions309 by Morné Steyn (2005 – 2023)
Most penalty kicks314 by Morné Steyn (2005 – 2023)
Most drop goals26 by Morné Steyn (2005 – 2023)
  • All 2021 Super Rugby Unlocked points included
  • All 2021 Preparation Series points included
  • 2021 Pro14 Rainbow Cup points included
  • United Rugby Championship points included 2021–222022–23
  • Correct as of 3 June 2023

Currie Cup records

Bulls Currie Cup records:

Team Match RecordsRecordOppositionVenueSeason
Biggest win:Polokwane1996147–8
Heaviest defeat:Pretoria202315–63
Highest score:Polokwane1996147
Most points conceded:199764
Most tries:Polokwane199623
Player Match RecordsRecordPlayerOppositionVenueSeason
SeasonNo--
Most points by a player:Casper SteynPretoria200040
Most tries by a player:Jacques OlivierPolokwane19967
Most conversions by a player:Willie du PlessisLephalale201315
Most Currie Cup conversions by a player:Lance SherrellPolokwane199614
Most penalties by a player:Jannie KrugerPretoria19969
Derick HougaardPretoria20029
Most drop goals by a player:Naas BothaPretoriaN/A5
Team Season RecordsRecordMatchesSeason
Most team points:in 28 matches19961193
Most Currie Cup team points:in 13 matches1996783
Most team tries:in 28 matches2004142
Player Season RecordsRecordPlayerSeason
Most points by a player:Casper Steyn1999361
Most Currie Cup points by a player:Johan Heunis1989268
Most tries by a player:Pierre Spies197525
Most Currie Cup tries by a player:Ettienne Botha200418
Player Career RecordsRecordPlayerSeasons
Most appearances:Burger Geldenhuys1977–1989184
Most points:Naas Botha1977–19922511
Most tries:Deon Oosthuysen1986–199485

Play-off honours

Finals

Semi-Finals

Semi-finalists
1996
2005
2006
2013

Quarter-Finals

Quarter-finalists
2012
2019
2023
2024
2025

Trophies and Honours

Major International and Domestic Honours

Major Honours in international competitionsCompetitionSpanTitles wonRunner-upSemi-finalistsQuarter-finalistsQualifying-finalistsRound of 16Major Honours in domestic competitions
Super 101993(0)(0)'
Super Rugby
1996-2020(3) 2007, 2009, 2010(0)(4) 1996, 2005, 2006, 2013(1) 2019(1) 2012
Super Rugby Conference trophy
2011-2019(1) 2013(4) 2012, 2014, 2016, 2019
United Rugby Championship2021-2025(0)(3) 2021–22, 2023–24, 2024–25(0)(1) 2022–23
United Rugby Championship SA Shield
2021-2025(1) 2023–24(2) 2021–22, 2022–23
Pro14 Rainbow Cup2021(0)(1) 2021
Super Rugby Unlocked
2020(1) 2020(0)
European Rugby Champions Cup2022-2025(0)(0)(0)(1) 2023–24(1) 2022–23
EPCR Challenge Cup2025(0)(0)(0)(1) 2024-25(0)
Currie Cup1939-2025(25) 1946, 1956, 1968, 1969, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1977, 1978, 1980, 1981, 1987, 1988, 1991, 1998, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2009, 2020–21, 2021 (Title shared in 1971, 1979, 1989, 2006)(9)(10)(1)
Currie Cup First Division2000(1) 2000(0)(0)
Lion Cup1983-1994(2) 1985, 1990, 1991(3) 1987, 1988, 1989
Vodacom Cup1998-2015(3) 2001, 2008, 2010(6) 2002, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2009, 2011(4) 2005, 2012, 2014, 2015(2) 2000, 2013
Rugby Challenge2017-2019(0)(0)(1) 2017(1) 2018
Toyota Challenge2022(0)(1) 2022(0)
Percy Frames Trophy1986-1994(6) 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992(1) 1994

Currie Cup finals

SeasonWinnersScoreRunner-upVenue
1946Northern Transvaal11 - 9Western ProvinceLoftus Versfeld, Pretoria
1954Western Province11 - 8Northern TransvaalNewlands, Cape Town
1956Northern Transvaal9 - 8Kings Park, Durban
1968Northern Transvaal16 - 3TransvaalLoftus Versfeld, Pretoria
1969Northern Transvaal28 - 13Western ProvinceLoftus Versfeld, Pretoria
1970Griqualand West11 - 9Northern TransvaalDe Beers, Kimberley
1971Northern Transvaal, Transvaal (shared)14 - 14Ellis Park, Johannesburg
1973Northern Transvaal30 - 22Orange Free StateLoftus Versfeld, Pretoria
1974Northern Transvaal17 - 15TransvaalLoftus Versfeld, Pretoria
1975Northern Transvaal12 - 6Orange Free StateFree State Stadium, Bloemfontein
1977Northern Transvaal27 - 12Orange Free StateLoftus Versfeld, Pretoria
1978Northern Transvaal13 - 9Orange Free StateFree State Stadium, Bloemfontein
1979Northern Transvaal, Western Province (shared)15 - 15Newlands, Cape Town
1980Northern Transvaal39 - 9Western ProvinceLoftus Versfeld, Pretoria
1981Northern Transvaal23 - 6Orange Free StateLoftus Versfeld, Pretoria
1982Western Province24 - 7Northern TransvaalNewlands, Cape Town
1983Western Province9 - 3Northern TransvaalNewlands, Cape Town
1985Western Province22 - 15Northern TransvaalNewlands, Cape Town
1987Northern Transvaal24 - 18TransvaalEllis Park, Johannesburg
1988Northern Transvaal19 - 18Western ProvinceLoftus Versfeld, Pretoria
1989Northern Transvaal, Western Province (shared)16 - 16Newlands, Cape Town
199018 - 12Northern TransvaalLoftus Versfeld, Pretoria
1991Northern Transvaal27 - 15TransvaalLoftus Versfeld, Pretoria
1998Blue Bulls124 - 20Western ProvinceLoftus Versfeld, Pretoria
2002Blue Bulls31 - 7Golden Lions²Ellis Park, Johannesburg
2003Blue Bulls40 - 19Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
2004Blue Bulls42 - 33Free State Cheetahs³Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
2005Free State Cheetahs29 - 25Blue BullsLoftus Versfeld, Pretoria
2006Blue Bulls, Free State Cheetahs (shared)28 - 28Vodacom Park, Bloemfontein
200814 - 9Blue BullsKings Park Stadium, Durban
2009Blue Bulls36 - 24Free State CheetahsLoftus Versfeld, Pretoria
2016Free State Cheetahs36 - 16Blue BullsFree State Stadium, Bloemfontein
2020–21Blue Bulls26 - 19Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
2021Blue Bulls44 - 10Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria

1 Northern Transvaal was renamed to the Blue Bulls.

2 Transvaal was renamed to the Golden Lions.

3 The Orange Free State have since been renamed to the Free State Cheetahs.

Minor Honours

Minor honoursCompetitionNumber of titlesRunner-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)
IBG Challenge Cup(1)2024(0)
Mapungubwe Rugby Cup(1)2024(0)

Season-by-season record

CompetitionSeasonPosPWDLPFPAPDBPPtsPlayoffsSeason ResultConference/ShieldTop points scorerPointsTop try scorerTries
EPCR Challenge Cup 2024–25N/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/ALost quarter-final 28-34 vs EdinburghQuarter-finalistsN/ADavid Kriel15David Kriel3
Heineken Cup
2024–255th Pool 3410384113-2915Qualified to Challenge CupN/ACameron Hanekom15Cameron Hanekom3
2023–242nd Pool A4301132102+30315Lost quarter-final 22-59 vs Northampton SaintsQuarter-finalistsN/AJohan Goosen41David Kriel, Marcell Coetzee, Embrose Papier, Sebastian de Klerk3
2022–237th Pool A4202102139-37210Lost 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
2024–252nd181404542361+1811268Lost final 7–32 to Leinster.*Runners up🥈 (3)*3rdDavid Kriel71David Kriel8
2023–242nd181305639433+2061466Lost final 16–21 to Glasgow.*Runners up🥈 (2)*Champions 🏆 1stJohan Goosen167Akker van der Merwe12
2022–236th181008613448+1651353Lost quarter-final 21–33 to StormersQuarter-finalists*Runners up (2)*Chris Smith129Canan Moodie8
2021–224th181107518388+1301458Lost final 13–18 to Stormers.*Runners up🥈 (1)**Runners up (1)*Chris Smith153Marcell Coetzee11
Pro14 Rainbow Cup20211st6501183117+66525Lost final 35–8 to Benetton.*Runners up*🥈N/AMorné Steyn53Madosh Tambwe4
Preparation Series20211st4301181115+66315No trophy or playoffsTop of pool AN/AChris Smith38Joe van Zyl4
Super Rugby Unlocked20201st650117892+86323No playoffsChampions🏆N/AMorné Steyn62Stedman Gans5
Super Rugby
202012th6105115152-3716Season cancelled due to COVID-194thMorné Steyn40Rosko Specman4
20195th16826410369+41341Lost quarterfinals 35–28 to the Hurricanes.Quarter-finalists*Runners up (4)*Handré Pollard194Cornal Hendricks, Rosko Specman, Hanro Liebenberg5
201812th166010441502-612295thHandré Pollard144Jesse Kriel8
201715th154011339459-1204203rdTian Schoeman80Jesse Kriel5
20169th15915399339+60442*Runners up (3)*Francois Brummer109Adriaan Strauss, Travis Ismaiel6
20159th16709397388+910383rdHandré Pollard167Francois Hougaard7
20149th16718365335+30838*Runners up (2)*Jacques-Louis Potgieter144Jono Ross4
20132nd161204448330+118763Lost semi-final 23–26 to the Brumbies.Semi-FinalistsChampions 🏆 1stMorné Steyn248Jano Vermaak5
20125th161006472369+1031159Lost qualifiers 28–13 to the Crusaders.Qualifying-finalists*Runners up (1)*Morné Steyn228Bjorn Basson10
20117th161006416370+466543rdMorné Steyn216Bjorn Basson9
Super 1420101st131003436345+91747Defeated the Stormers 25–17Champions 🏆 3rdN/AMorné Steyn263Gerhard van den Heever8
20091st131003338271+67646Defeated the Chiefs 61–17Champions 🏆 2ndN/AMorné Steyn191Bryan Habana8
200810th13607324347−23428N/AMorné Steyn80Akona Ndungane7
20071st13904388223+165642Defeated the Sharks 19–20Champions🏆 1stN/ADerick Hougaard161Bryan Habana8
20064th13715355290+65838Lost semi-final 35–15 to Crusaders.Semi-FinalistsN/ADerick Hougaard93Bryan Habana7
Super 12
20053rd11704301229+72634Lost semi-final 23–13 to Waratahs.Semi-FinalistsN/AMorne Steyn110Bryan Habana9
20046th11515302320−18628N/ADerick Hougaard101Fourie du Preez5
20036th11605320354−34530N/ALouis Koen139Frikkie Welsh5
200212th110011232500−26811N/ABoeta Wessels29Adrian Jacobs, Wylie Human5
200112th11209241378−137311N/ACasper Steyn97Frikkie Welsh, Friedrich Lombard, Adrian Jacobs4
200011th11128231395−164311N/AJannie de Beer123Deon de Kock3
199912th111010203447−24437N/AFranco Smith59Jan-Harm van Wyk, Schutte Bekker, Pierre Ribbens2
199811th11308249306−57416N/AFranco Smith65Casper Steyn5
19978th11335264342−78422N/ACasper Steyn50Jacques Olivier4
19964th11803329208+121638Lost semi-final 48–11 to Auckland Blues.Semi-FinalistsN/AJannie Kruger139Adriaan Richter4
Super 10 (amateur era)1995Did not qualifyN/A
1994Did not qualifyN/A
19933rd4202109109008N/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 10Super 12Super 14Super RugbySuper Rugby UnlockedPreparation SeriesPro 14 Rainbow CupUnited Rugby ChampionshipEuropean Rugby Champions CupEPCR Challenge Cup

Currie Cup Season-by-Season Standings

Blue Bulls season by season standings in the Currie Cup Premier Division 1996-2021 (professional era)SeasonLogPosPWDLPFPAPDTFTATBLBPtsNotesTop points scorerPtsTop try scorerTries
PosTeamSeasonPWDLPFPAPDTFTATBLBPtsNotesTop points scorerPointsTop try scorer
20256th7304200209−929293015Did not qualify for Play-offs.Boeta Chamberlain45Jeandre Rudolph4
20242nd10712384266+11854377138Semi-final was drawn 40 all after extra time. The Sharks advanced due to scoring more tries in the match 6–4.Semi-FinalistsJaco van der Walt81Mpilo Gumede7
20234th14707399415-1657538238Lost semi-final 10–39 to CheetahsSemi-FinalistsJohan Goosen49David Kriel7
20222nd12912398306+9256429047Lost semi-final 19–30 to GriquasSemi-FinalistsChris Smith54David Kriel5
20211st12732334260+7446308149Beat the Sharks 44–10 in the FinalChampions 🏆 25thJohan Goosen99Zak Burger, Cornal Hendricks5
2020–211st12813305216+8932223239Beat the Sharks 26–19 in the Final. Each team started with the log points from the Super Rugby Unlocked competition.Champions 🏆 24thMorné Steyn62Marco van Staden3
20196th6204143191−4820252010Did not qualify for Play-offs.Manie Libbok46Rosko Specman5
20184th6303170179−924254117Lost semi-final 32–35 to Western ProvinceSemi-FinalistsManie Libbok68Ruan Steenkamp5
20174th12507457442+1563629332Lost semi-final 27–37 to SharksSemi-FinalistsTony Jantjies70Warrick Gelant10
20167th14707459376+83654582382016 Currie Cup qualification roundJoshua Stander77Marquit September8
2nd8602310207+10340265130Lost final 16–36 to Free State CheetahsRunner-upTian Schoeman146Jamba Ulengo7
20152nd10802342238+10441267039Lost semi-final 18–23 to Western ProvinceSemi-FinalistsTian Schoeman135Jamba Ulengo11
20144th10604271235+3627233128Lost semi-final 23–31 to Western ProvinceSemi-FinalistsJacques-Louis Potgieter125Bjorn Basson, Sampie Mastriet, Deon Stegmann4
20135th10316225253–2824282117Did not qualify for Play-offs.Handré Pollard62Francois Venter4
20124th10505280291−1119291123Lost semi-final 3–20 to SharksSemi-FinalistsLouis Fouché137CJ Stander5
20115th14815452368+8454405140Did not qualify for Play-offs.Louis Fouché126Bjorn Basson10
20104th14905437374+6347396547Lost semi-final 12–16 to SharksSemi-FinalistsJacques-Louis Potgieter171Stefan Watermeyer6
20093rd14905475299+17656286446Beat Cheetahs 36–24 in the FinalChampions 🏆 23rdMorné Steyn105Gerhard van den Heever11
20082nd141103482235+24761278153Lost final 9–14 to SharksRunner-upMorné Steyn192John Mametsa7
20074th14806424282+14254336139Lost semi-final 6–11 to Free State CheetahsSemi-FinalistsDerick Hougaard114John Mametsa14
20062nd141004479284+19563328250Drew 28–28 with Free State CheetahsChampions 🏆 22ndMorné Steyn138Derick Kuun, Marius Delport, Dries Scholtz7
2005Sect X3rd6402261141+120381841212005 Currie Cup qualifying round
Sect X1st8800347115+23246125037Lost final 25–29 to Free State CheetahsRunner-upMorné Steyn118Akona Ndungane, Pedrie Wannenburg6
20041st141121545315+23069387156Beat Free State Cheetahs 42–33 in the FinalChampions 🏆 21stDerick Hougaard188Ettienne Botha18
20031st141103538372+16673449255Beat the Sharks 40–19 in the FinalChampions 🏆 20thLouis Strydom133Johan Roets9
2002Sect Y2nd6411185125+60211431222002 Currie Cup qualifying round (Points of 3 matches vs the Currie Cup teams retained for Premier Div log)
Premier Div4th7511225136+8921132125Beat the Lions 31–7 in the FinalChampions 🏆 19th
2001Sect Y3rd6402231148+83301331202001 Currie Cup qualification
Top 87th7205191187+411142212Did not qualify for Play-offs.
2000Sect Y6th6303232228+4222531162000 Currie Cup qualification Did not qualify for Currie Cup Premier Div. (6 points carried forward to the Bankfin Cup.)Casper Steyn149Casper Steyn6
Bankfin Cup2nd5302205178+2725204218Beat the Mighty Elephants 41–20 in the Bankfin Cup FinalChampions 🏆 1stFranco Smith77McNeil Hendricks7
19995th13814483346+137--5241Did not qualify for Play-offs.Casper Steyn252Casper Steyn12
19982nd131003461231+23065287249Beat Western Province 24–20 in the FinalChampions 🏆 18th
19975th13805382341+4139336240Did not qualify for Play-offs.
1996Sect B1st121101707207+5009323--22Lost semi-final 21–31 to TransvaalSemi-FinalistsHannes Venter13

Bulls XV

Blue Bulls XV results for each season were as follows:

SeasonsCompetitionSeasonSectionPosPlWDLPFPAPDPtsPlay-offsTop points scorerPointsTop try scorerTries
SuperSport Rugby Challenge
2019Northern Section3rd7502332190+14225Did not qualify for Play-offs.JT Jackson44Duncan Matthews6
2018Northern Section3rd8503317255+6227Quarter-FinalistsEarll Douwrie79Xolisa Guma6
2017Northern Section2nd8503376240+13629Semi-FinalistsTinus de Beer44Boom Prinsloo, Franco Naudé6
20161No competition
Vodacom Cup
2015Northern Section2nd7601282114+16829Semi-FinalistsKobus Marais85Kefentse Mahlo6
2014Northern Section3rd7502315111+20426Semi-FinalistsTian Schoeman60Sampie Mastriet7
2013Northern Section2nd7502435159+27628Quarter-FinalistsTony Jantjies79Sampie Mastriet9
2012Northern Section3rd6411212116+9621Semi-FinalistsWesley Dunlop44Sampie Mastriet5
2011Northern Section4th8305197175+2217Runners-up 🥈Marnitz Boshoff87Sampie Mastriet5
2010Northern Section1st7700251136+6332Champions 3rd 🏆Francois Brummer90Stefan Watermeyer, Gerrit-Jan van Velze5
2009Northern Section1st6510180117+6324Runners-up 🥈Francois Brummer158Rocco Jansen5
2008Northern Section1st7502279161+11828Champions 2nd 🏆Burton Francis115Rocco Jansen14
2007Northern Section2nd6501184104+8023Runners-up 🥈Jacques-Louis Potgieter112Dries Scholtz, Lukhanyo Nontshinga4
2006Vodacom Cup3rd13904383278+10545Did not qualify for Play-offs.Jacques-Louis Potgieter87Marius Delport8
2005Section X1st7502255184+7128Semi-FinalistsJacques-Louis Potgieter69Derick Kuun4
2004Vodacom Cup3rd6402231186+4522Runners-up 🥈Gideon (Gerhardus) Roux44Carel Hoffman5
2003Section Y1st6501236133+10326Runners-up 🥈
2002Section Y1st6501260157+10326Runners-up 🥈
Top Eight3rd7403242240+221
2001Section Y1st6501242140+10227Champions 1st 🏆
Top Eight1st4400150117+3334
2000Northern Section3rd7502265187+7823Quarter-Finalists
1999Northern Section5th14707416468–5236Did not qualify for Play-offs.
1998Sect B5th12408303389–8618Did not qualify for Play-offs.
Bankfin Nite Series1997Did not Participate
1996Did not Participate

Bankfin Nite Series seasons 1996 - 1997

Vodacom Cup seasons 1998 - 2015

SuperSport Rugby Challenge 2017 - 2019

References

References

  1. (2007-05-05). "Rugby-Bulls blitz Reds 92–3 to earn home semi-final". Reuters.
  2. "White wanted Bulls to remain only SA Super Rugby winners". SA Rugby.
  3. "Benetton 35-8 Bulls: Benetton stun Bulls to win Rainbow Cup". skysports.
  4. "United Rugby Championship: Cardiff 19-29 Bulls". BBC Sport.
  5. "The biggest rivalry in South Africa". tiscali.co.uk.
  6. "Incidents of bad behavior at Loftus Versfeld (Afrikaans)". koerantberigte.media24.com.
  7. "Sports stadiums in South Africa". SouthAfrica.info.
  8. "Loftus Versfeld – History". Vodacom Blue Bulls.
  9. (2007). "Marketing through sport". Journal of Marketing.
  10. (9 September 2025). "Vodacom Bulls unveil VURC squad with Nortje at the helm". Bulls.
  11. (6 October 2025). "Vodacom Bulls embark on VURC tour with 13 Springboks". Bulls.
  12. (24 November 2025). "There's a new number 10 in town for Vodacom Bulls". Bulls.
  13. (21 July 2025). "YOUR 2025 CARLING CURRIE CUP SQUAD".
  14. (21 July 2025). "YOUR 2025 CARLING CURRIE CUP SQUAD".
  15. (1 August 2025). "Vodacom Bulls name exciting line-up for Sharks showdown". Bulls.
  16. (23 August 2025). "A dozen changes as Vodacom Bulls reshuffle for Griquas showdown". Bulls.
  17. (4 September 2025). "Coetzee captains new-look Vodacom Bulls as injuries take hold". Bulls.
  18. Xabanisa, Simnikiwe. "Johan Ackermann named as new Bulls coach: 'I got goosebumps'".
  19. (2014). "SA Rugby Annual 2014". South African Rugby Union.
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