The Bulls team is considering bringing in South Africa national hooker Malcolm Marx. If the ambitious attempt to sign two World Cup winners is successful, the Bulls could shed their reputation as perennial mid-table finishers in the United Rugby Championship (URC).
UNITED RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP
Bulls coach Johan Ackermann confirmed that South African stars Malcolm Marx and Kgatlhef Smith are in talks with the Pretoria franchise, but he warned that no deal has been finalized yet. Marx, a World Rugby Player of the Year, and experienced forward Smith would bring significant experience to the Bulls squad, which has reached four URC finals over the last five seasons but failed to win the trophy.
Ackermann stated: 'Negotiations are still ongoing. Their names are on our table, and we will consider them,' adding that 'it is still far from being concluded.' He clarified that the decision is not a straightforward 'yes' or 'no.'
The return of South African winger Cheslin Kolbe to South Africa was already a consequence of Japan's tightening rules regarding foreign players in its domestic competitions, which opened doors for many South Africans, especially those in the later stages of their careers.
The potential reinforcement of the Bulls team with Marx and Smith would add substantial strength to a squad determined to move forward after another failure last season. In last season's final, the Bulls lost to Leinster with a score of 37-7 in Dublin. Ackermann acknowledged this setback as painful but noted that the team has moved past it.
'We have digested it, and smiles are back on our faces,' he said. 'Everything has returned to the start of the season on equal footing. There are 16 teams, and everyone thinks they can win. And between the teams in these high-class matches there are such small margins. What hurts the most is how we played that day in Dublin. But that is behind us. We can lower our heads and work hard.'
These words were spoken during a press conference where Ackermann presented a list of 55 players for the new URC season. He strengthened the squad with players such as former Sharks halfback Kerwin Bosch, former Leicester Tigers player Hanro Liebenberg, fullbacks Takir Abraham and Hakim Kunene, centre Sango Ksamlashe, wing Dylan Mart and prop Mvande Mdanda. However, the Bulls also lost several key players, including South African internationals Vilko Lou, Ruan Nortje, Kurt-Lee Arendse, as well as David Kriel and Johan Goosen.
Ackermann emphasized that the Bulls carefully analyzed both the successes and failures of the past season. 'You want to fix these red zones while remaining strong in the green zones,' he noted. 'But the staff has changed, and we are trying to change some tactical aspects. Everyone will get to know each other in the first few rounds. Some teams will start attacking from the first round, others will build up pace in the competition. We want to cross the finish line. We did many good things last season. If we can continue doing that, we hope we can give ourselves a chance. I told the players that we cannot change where we made mistakes. We just need to leave it behind and start anew. That is what we are going to do.'