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Bulls finally name new head coach
By Online Editors
The Bulls have finally confirmed their new Super Rugby head coach to replace John Mitchell, who left to take a defence coach role with England alongside Eddie Jones.
Former Springboks lock Victor Matfield had been heavily linked to the role, but it's believed he turned down the chance, forcing the Bulls to look elsewhere.
Southern Kings coach Deon Davids was also rumoured to be a contender, but instead they've chosen Pote Human, who led the Bulls during this years Currie Cup.
He will step up for the new 2019 Super Rugby season, looking to improve their disappointing 12th-placed finish, with only the Reds, Blues and Sunwolves below them.
The Bulls have also revealed Alan Zondagh as their new Director of Rugby, on a three-year deal.
Zondagh's varied career includes coaching stints with Eastern Province, Western Province and in England with London Scottish.
The Bulls have had a busy post-season, with Mitchell's departure, which earned the club £200,000 in compensation from the Rugby Football Union.
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They have recruited experienced hooker Schalk Brits, who hopes the move will help in his bid to prove he deserves to make the Springboks World Cup squad in Japan.
Brits, who has won 11 caps, has kept himself fit with a punishing training programme and is relishing the thought of getting back into action against the Pumas. He told RugbyPass; “ I planned to go the Stormers but then I received a message saying they had financial issues and so now I will be joining the Bulls. I will start training with the Bulls in January and it is fantastic to be joining them and while it is for one season it is exciting. After the World Cup I am definitely done!
Watch: Rugby World Cup Japan city guide - Oita
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Latest Comments
The New Zealand performance in the return fixture in 2016 was filthy. A lot of Irish supporters were pretty shocked by it, viewed it as de facto cheating just to avoid another defeat.
Also shocked by the abuse to Ireland, captain, vice-captain and spectators after the full time whistle in Paris defeat, last match.
Sledging is sledging, but that happens during the game and targetting spectators should be completely out of bounds.
The Irish public used to enjoy these matches, even in defeat. Now they are necessary but unpleasant, because NZ apparently cannot accept or respect successful challengers.
Go to commentsThanks for the analysis Nick, thought provoking as usual. Couple of queries though, in the pic where you've circled Williams bind , I'm pretty sure it shows Stuart's knee on the ground, surely that's a NZ penalty? Also having had the chance to watch it again the All Black scrum seeems to improve after halftime, but before either England or the All Blacks replace their props. Not sure if that was the result of Tuipolutu coming on or some halftime tips. Either way this is only Williams second international season, so he'll be better for the experience.
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