Following the departure of Director of Rugby Jake White, the Vodacom Bulls are undergoing major structural and squad changes ahead of the new season.
While the search for a new head coach is ongoing, the Pretoria-based franchise has wasted no time reinforcing their playing roster.
In a bold statement of intent, the Bulls have confirmed several high-profile signings – including Springbok stars and returning club legends – who will bolster the team through the 2025/26 and 2027/28 seasons.
Below is a full breakdown of the key players joining the Bulls in July, each bringing international experience, leadership, and competitive edge.
BULLS LOCK IN SPRINGBOK TRIO
Jan Serfontein
Former Springbok centre Jan Serfontein has signed a three-year contract with the Bulls, marking his return to Pretoria from Montpellier.
Serfontein earned 48 Bulls caps before leaving in 2017 and went on to make 147 appearances in France’s Top 14 league. He scored 15 tries from 45 starts during his initial stint with the Bulls, proving himself a consistent attacking threat.
Serfontein, a Grey College product, rejoined the team on July 1 and will remain under contract through the 2027/28 season.
His return adds depth and international experience to a growing Bulls backline aiming to compete across multiple competitions.
Kurt-Lee Arendse
Springbok wing Kurt-Lee Arendse will return to the Bulls after completing his international commitments in the Rugby Championship this August.
Arendse had spent his recent sabbatical playing for the Sagamihara Dynaboars in Japan’s competitive League One tournament.
The electric speedster returned to Loftus Versfeld recently, scoring a stunning long-range try for the Springboks in front of home fans.
He remains one of the most dynamic backs in South African rugby, capable of changing games with moments of individual brilliance.
Arendse’s return adds more firepower to an already explosive Bulls backline heading into the latter part of the 2025 season.
Marvin Orie
Springbok lock Marvin Orie has returned to the Vodacom Bulls on a season-long deal beginning with the Carling Currie Cup.
Orie joins from French club Perpignan, where he earned 29 caps over two seasons in the Top 14 competition.
The 2023 World Cup winner previously represented the Bulls, Lions, Ospreys, and Stormers before moving to France in 2022.
He originally earned 10 caps for the Bulls earlier in his career, showing familiarity with the Loftus environment and culture.
Orie arrived in the capital at the start of July and strengthens the Bulls’ second-row options with physicality and experience.
LOFTUS WELCOMES TOP FRANCHISE PLAYERS
Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg
Lock Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg has signed with the Bulls until June 2027 after leaving Montpellier Hérault Rugby in France.
He previously played for the Bulls before departing in 2016, and he now returns with 174 caps of European experience.
During his time in France, Janse van Rensburg won both the EPCR Challenge Cup and the French Top 14 title.
His career includes appearances in Super Rugby, Carling Currie Cup, and both EPCR and Champions Cup competitions.
The former Affies student officially rejoined the Bulls on July 1, boosting the squad’s experience and depth in the second row.
Paul de Wet
Scrumhalf Paul de Wet has joined the Bulls on a short-term contract after a long stint with the Cape Town-based Stormers.
De Wet, who joined the Stormers in 2017/18, made over 80 appearances across four major competitions in seven seasons.
His arrival in Pretoria came at the beginning of July, signaling a new chapter for the Vodacom United Rugby Championship winners.
De Wet will remain with the Bulls until the conclusion of the 2025/26 season, bringing experience and tactical sharpness to Loftus.
He has played in the Investec Champions Cup, VURC, Rainbow Cup SA, and Super Rugby, proving his value in top-tier competitions.
Jeandré Rudolph
Jeandré Rudolph has officially signed a short-term deal with the Vodacom Bulls starting from July through the 2025/26 season.
The Roodepoort-born loose forward joins the Bulls after making 74 appearances in the judicial capital with consistent, high-energy performances.
Rudolph, known for his relentless work ethic, has earned the nickname “diesel-powered workhorse” from teammates and coaching staff alike.
He arrives at Loftus Versfeld as a 2023 Carling Currie Cup champion and a respected leader on and off the field.
Rudolph has gained experience across Super Rugby, EPCR Challenge Cup, Vodacom URC, and Carling Currie Cup competitions throughout his career.
He also captained Oakdale Agricultural High School to their first Varsity Cup title, showing early leadership qualities and on-field discipline.
DO YOU THINK THE BULLS WILL WIN THE URC TITLE SOON?
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