The Vodacom Bulls have tied down two of their most important loose forwards to long-term contract extensions.
Springbok flanker Marco van Staden stays until June 2028, while Mpilo Gumede has committed to a five-year deal running until June 2029.
The dual signings form a central part of the franchise’s retention strategy under head coach Johan Ackermann. For a franchise that has lost several key players recently, the announcements carry significant weight.
SECURING A VETERAN AND A RISING STAR
Van Staden, 30, has been a fixture at Loftus Versfeld since 2017. The blindside flanker recently reached his 100th cap for the Bulls, a milestone that underlines his standing at the Bulls. A back-to-back World Cup winner with the Springboks, he brings hard-earned experience and breakdown expertise to Ackermann’s pack.
Gumede, 25, arrived from the Sharks in July 2023 and has since played 30 games for the Bulls. The openside flanker and No.8 has developed into one of the most versatile back-row options in South African rugby. His five-year deal reflects just how highly the franchise rates his long-term potential.
THESE DEALS ARE A BIG STATEMENT BY THE BULLS
The extensions arrive against a backdrop of notable departures. David Kriel is heading to Top 14 side La Rochelle, tighthead Wilco Louw is joining the Stormers, and lock Ruan Nortje is also leaving.
CEO Edgar Rathbone, however, pushed back firmly against the notion that the Bulls are a selling franchise.
“The reality inside Loftus is very different,” Rathbone said. “Retaining a world-class veteran like Marco and a generational talent like Mpilo is a clear signal of our stability and our ambition.”
He added that the club was building for the next two to three years, not just the next fixture.
The Bulls travel to Wales on Friday to face the Dragons in the United Rugby Championship. They need the points to keep their play-off push on track.
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