Bulls (rugby union)

(Redirected from Bulls (rugby club))

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. Prior to 1998, the Bulls competed in the then-Super 12 as Northern Transvaal, as in those years South Africa was represented in the competition by its top four Currie Cup sides from the previous season, instead of the modern Super Rugby teams.

Bulls
UnionSouth African Rugby Union
Founded1938 (Northern Transvaal Rugby Union)
1997 (Bulls franchise)
LocationPretoria, South Africa
RegionGauteng
Ground(s)Loftus Versfeld Stadium (Capacity: 51,762)
Director of RugbyJake White
Coach(es)Jake White
Captain(s)Marcell Coetzee
Ruan Nortjé
Most appearancesMorné Steyn (144)
Top scorerMorné Steyn (1639)
Most triesBryan Habana (37)
League(s)United Rugby Championship
2022–23Quarter Finals
South African Shield: 2nd
(6th overall)
1st kit
2nd kit
Official website
bullsrugby.co.za

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.

History

Early 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)

The Bulls playing the Western Force in Perth, Australia in 2006

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.[1] At Loftus, the Bulls defeated the Reds 92 points to 3, with the 89-point margin of victory setting a new Super rugby record.[1] 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.[2]

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.[3]

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.[4]

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.[5]

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

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.[6][7] 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.[8] 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 2024–25 United Rugby Championship is.

Bulls United Rugby Championship squad

Props

Hookers

Locks

Loose forwards

Scrum-halves

Fly-halves

Centres

Outside backs

(cx) Denotes team co-captains, Bold denotes internationally capped, ST denotes a short-term signing.

Coaches

Captains

Statistics

Results by opponent in European competitions

The results for the Bulls vs different opponents in European competitions

URC, Rainbow Cup, European Rugby Champions Cup
OppositionSpanPlayedWonDrawnLostWin%Points forPPMAgaBest scoreWorst score40–49 points50+ points
Lions2021–2024860275.00%22127.6314834–10 (2021–22)34–33 (2021)00
Stormers2021–20241030730.00%23423.4025140–22 (2023–24)37–27 (2022–23)10
Sharks2021–2024960366.67%27530.5621544–10 (2023–24)47–20 (2022–23)30
Benetton2021–2024540180.00%18436.8014456–35 (2023–24)35–8 (2021) Final21
Leinster2021–2024530260.00%13126.2013162–7 (2022–23)47–14 (2023–24)01
Connacht2021–2023320166.67%8829.337553–27 (2023–24)34–7 (2021–22)01
Cardiff2021–20233300100.00%9230.674045–9 (2022–23)19–29 (2021–22)10
Edinburgh2021–2023310233.33%6622.007933–31 (2022–23)31–23 (2023–24)00
Zebre Parma2022–20233300100.00%17759.004878–12 (2022–23)29–54 (2023–24)12
Munster2022–2024310233.33%6822.678229–24 (2021–22)31–17 (2021–22)00
Scarlets2022–2023320166.67%14849.337063–21 (2023–24)37–28 (2022–23)02
Dragons2022–20243300100.00%11538.334455–20 (2021–22)20–55 (2021–22)01
Ulster2022–2023310233.33%7625.337434–16 (2021–22)32–23 (2022–23)00
Glasgow Warriors2022–2024320166.67%9030.008640–34 (2023–24)35–21 (2021–22)10
Ospreys2022–20243300100.00%14247.338161–24 (2023–24)31–38 (2021–22)11
Lyon2022–2024420250.00%13634.0011559–19 (2023–24)36–42 (2022–23)11
Exeter Chiefs2022–2023210150.00%5326.507239–28 (2022–23)44–14 (2022–23)00
Toulouse2023–202310010.00%99.00339–33 (2022–23)33–9 (2022–23)00
Saracens2023–20231100100.00%2727.001627–16 (2023–24)16–27 (2023–24)00
Bristol Bears2024–20241100100.00%3131.001731–17 (2023–24)17–31 (2023–24)00
Bordeaux2024–20241100100.00%4646.004046–40 (2023–24)40–46 (2023–24)10
Northampton Saints2024–202410010.00%2222.005922–59 (2023–24)59–22 (2023–24)00
Overall2021–2024784902962.82243131.17192078–12 vs Zebre (2022–23)59–22 vs Northampton Saints (2023–24)1210

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, Toyota Challenge
OppositionSpanPlayedWonDrawnLostWin%Points forPPMAgaBest scoreWorst score40–49 points50+ points
Sharks1996–2024442731461.36%104523.7595944–10 (2023–24) URC47–20 (2022–23) URC60
Waratahs1996–2019221201054.55%50623.0060948–38 (2010) Super Rugby53–7 (2001) Super Rugby10
Highlanders1996–202023721430.43%56824.7064459–29 (1996) Super Rugby65–23 (1999) Super Rugby22
Reds1996–2020231001343.48%61426.7052192–3 (2007) Super Rugby48–12 (2002) Super Rugby22
Crusaders1996–2019271001737.04%62623.1990940–35 (2010) Super Rugby75–27 (2000) Super Rugby10
Blues1996–202023721430.43%58825.5775959–26 (2009) Super Rugby65–24 (2002) Super Rugby21
Chiefs1996–201923821334.78%63627.6574561–17 (2009) Super Rugby Final53–24 (2002) Super Rugby11
Lions1996–2024382411363.16%108828.6396662–52 (2004) Super Rugby57–24 (1999) Super Rugby22
Hurricanes1996–2019221001245.45%56725.7760248–14 (2013) Super Rugby64–32 (1997) Super Rugby40
Brumbies1996–201923801534.78%56824.7067250–32 (2010) Super Rugby73–9 (1999) Super Rugby11
Stormers1996–2024461812739.13%107023.26102975–14 (2005) Super Rugby42–19 (1999) Super Rugby41
Cheetahs1997–202222160672.73%66930.4149660–20 (2008) Super Rugby42–29 (2015) Super Rugby23
Force2006–20161060460.00%26426.4022142–20 (2016) Super Rugby30–27 (2007) Super Rugby10
Rebels2011–2019760185.71%25336.1412547–10 (2011) Super Rugby35–41 (2012) Super Rugby40
Southern Kings2013–2017430175.00%15037.505548–18 (2013) Super Rugby31–30 (2017) Super Rugby10
Sunwolves2016–2018530260.00%17134.2011450–3 (2016) Super Rugby42–37 (2018) Super Rugby01
Jaguares2016–2020720528.57%16022.8621843–34 (2018) Super Rugby54–25 (2018) Super Rugby10
Griquas2020–20201100100.00%3030.002330–23 (2020) Super Rugby Unlocked23–30 (2020) Super Rugby Unlocked00
Pumas2020–20212200100.00%6934.503648–31 (2020) Preparation Series31–48 (2020) Preparation Series10
Eastern Province Elephants2021–20211100100.00%8787.001087–10 (2021) Preparation Series10–87 (2021) Preparation Series01
Benetton2021–2024540180.00%18436.8014456–35 (2023–24) URC35–8 (2021) Rainbow Cup Final21
Leinster2021–2024530260.00%13126.2013162–7 (2022–23) URC47–14 (2023–24) URC01
Connacht2021–2023320166.67%8829.337553–27 (2023–24) URC34–7 (2021–22) URC01
Cardiff2021–20233300100.00%9230.674045–9 (2022–23) URC19–29 (2021–22) URC10
Edinburgh2021–2023310233.33%6622.007933–31 (2022–23) URC31–23 (2023–24) URC00
Zebre Parma2022–20233300100.00%17759.004878–12 (2022–23) URC29–54 (2023–24) URC12
Munster2022–2024310233.33%6822.678229–24 (2021–22) URC31–17 (2022–23) URC00
Scarlets2022–2023320166.67%14849.337063–21 (2023–24) URC37–28 (2022–23) URC02
Dragons2022–20243300100.00%11538.334455–20 (2021–22) URC20–55 (2021–22) URC01
Ulster2022–2023310233.33%7625.337434–16 (2021–22) URC32–23 (2022–23) URC00
Glasgow Warriors2022–2024320166.67%9030.008640–34 (2023–24) URC35–21 (2022–23) URC10
Ospreys2022–20243300100.00%14247.338161–24 (2023–24) URC31–38 (2021–22) URC11
Lyon2022–2024420250.00%13634.0011559–19 (2023–24) Heineken Cup36–42 (2022–23) Heineken Cup11
Exeter Chiefs2022–2023210150.00%5326.507239–28 (2022–23) Heineken Cup44–14 (2022–23) Heineken Cup00
Toulouse2023–202310010.00%99.00339–33 (2022–23) Heineken Cup33–9 (2022–23) Heineken Cup00
Saracens2023–20231100100.00%2727.001627–16 (2023–24) Heineken Cup16–27 (2022–23) Heineken Cup00
Bristol Bears2024–20241100100.00%3131.001731–17 (2023–24) Heineken Cup17–31 (2022–23) Heineken Cup00
Bordeaux2024–20241100100.00%4646.004046–40 (2023–24) Heineken Cup40–46 (2022–23) Heineken Cup10
Northampton Saints2024–202410010.00%2222.005922–59 (2023–24) Heineken Cup59–22 (2022–23) Heineken Cup00
Super Rugby1996–20203351581116647.16%862625.75887592–3 vs Reds (2007)75–27 vs Crusaders (2000)3014
Super Rugby Unlocked2020–2020650183.33%17829.679241–14 vs Sharks (2021)25–30 vs Lions (2021)10
Preparation Series2021–2021430175.00%18145.2511587–10 vs Eastern Province Elephants (2021)45–12 vs Sharks (2021)11
United Rugby Championship2021–2024603802263.33%191631.93141678–12 vs Zebre (2022–23)47–14 vs Leinster (2023–24)98
Pro14 Rainbow Cup2021–2021750271.43%19127.2915243–9 vs Sharks (2021)35–8 vs Benetton (2021)10
European Rugby Champions Cup2022–20241160554.55%32429.4535259–19 vs Lyon (2023–24)59–22 vs Northampton Saints (2023–24)21
Toyota Challenge2022–202210010.00%1414.001714–17 vs Cheetahs (2022)17–14 vs Cheetahs (2022)00
Overall1996–20244242151119850.71%1143026.961101992–3 vs Reds (2007)75–27 vs Crusaders (2000)4425

Other notable results:

DateOpponentLocationResultBulls scoreOpponent scoreNotes
1 February 2001Fiji Developmental sideFijiLost2735Report
3 February 2001FijiFijiWon3319Report
7 February 2001Fiji WarriorsFijiWon1914Report
31 January 2015 SaracensAllianz 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 Smith45 by Chris Smith, Johan GoosenN/A1487 by Morné Steyn
Most tries24 by Kurt-Lee Arendse4 by David KrielN/A37 by Bryan Habana (2005–09) 2nd Akona Ndungane 33 tries (2005–14)
Most conversions92 by Chris Smith18 by Johan GoosenN/A245 by Morné Steyn
Most penalty kicks57 by Chris Smith8 by Chris SmithN/A283 by Morné Steyn
Most drop goals1 by Chris Smithrecord not setN/A26 by Morné Steyn

Match Records

Match RecordsUnited Rugby ChampionshipHeineken CupEPCR Challenge CupSuper Rugby
Biggest victory.78–12 (v. Zebre, 2023)59-19 (v. Lyon, 2024)N/A92–3 (v. Queensland Reds, 2007)
Largest points for78 (v. Zebre, 2023)59 (v. Lyon, 2024)N/A92 (v. Queensland Reds, 2007)
Biggest defeat14–47 (v. Leinster, 2024)22-59 (v. Northampton Saints, 2024)N/A9–73 (v ACT Brumbies, 1999)
Most points conceded47 (v. Sharks, 2022), (v. Leinster, 2024)59 (v. Northampton Saints, 2024)N/A75 (v Crusaders, 2000)
Most tries:11 (v. Zebre, 2023)9 (v. Lyon, 2024)N/A13 (v Queensland Reds, 2007)
Most tries conceded7 (v. Leinster, 2024)9 (v. Northampton Saints, 2024)N/A11 (v Crusaders, 2000)
Most points by a player23 by Johan Goosen (v. Zebre 2023)13 by Chris Smith (v. Lyon, 2023)N/A35 by Morné Steyn (v Stormers, 2005, v Brumbies 2010)
Most tries by a player3 (hat-trick) by Cornal Hendricks (v. Ospreys, 2022),Canan Moodie (v. Zebre 2023),David Kriel (v. Zebre 2023), Canan Moodie (v. Benetton 2024)2 tries on 5 occasionsN/A3 by Adriaan Richter (v. Blues, 1997), Fourie du Preez (v. Cats, 2004), Wynand Olivier (v. Rebels, 2011), Bjorn Basson (v. Rebels, 2016), Warrick Gelant (v. Sharks, 2017), Adriaan Strauss (v. Stormers, 2018), Warrick Gelant (v. Sharks, 2018), Rosko Specman (v. Highlanders, 2020)
Most conversions by a player10 by Johan Goosen (v. Zebre 2023)6 by Morné Steyn (v. Lyon, 2022)N/A11 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. Munster 2022)3 by Chris Smith (v. Toulouse, 2023), Chris Smith (v. Lyon, 2023)N/A8 by Jannie de Beer (v. Highlanders, 1996), Derick Hougaard (v. Crusaders, 2007)
Most drop goals by a player1 by Chris Smith (v. Sharks 2022)record not setN/A4 by Morné Steyn (v. Crusaders, 2009)

Winning Streaks

Winning StreaksUnited Rugby ChampionshipHeineken CupEPCR Challenge CupSuper Rugby
Most consecutive victories6 (27 April 2024 – 22 June 2024)3 victoriesN/A12 (25 April 2009 – 27 March 2010)

Season Records

Season RecordsUnited Rugby ChampionshipHeineken CupEPCR Challenge CupSuper Rugby
Most points710 (2023–24)213 (2023–24)N/A500 (2010)
Most team tries92 (2023–24)28 (2023–24)N/A59 (2018)
Most team conversions70 (2023–24)23 (2023–24)N/A47 (2018)
Most team penalties36 (2023–24)9 (2023–24)N/A62 (2010)
Most team drop goals1 (2021–22)record not setN/A11 (2009)
Most points by a player167 by Johan Goosen (2023–24)41 by Johan GoosenN/A263 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)N/A11 by Bjorn Basson (2012)
Most conversions by a player45 by Johan Goosen (2023–24)16 by Johan Goosen (2023–24)N/A38 by Morné Steyn (2010)
Most penalty kicks by a player24 by Johan Goosen (2023–24)4 by Chris Smith (2022–23)&(2023–24)N/A51 Morné Steyn (2010 – Super Rugby Record)
Most drop goals by a player1 by Chris Smith (2021–22)record not setN/A11 by Morné Steyn (2009, Super Rugby Record)
  • Correct as of 23 June 2024 (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
2022–23Kurt-Lee Arendse
2023–24Wilco Louw, Akker van der Merwe, Ruan Nortjé(2), Elrigh Louw, Cameron Hanekom, Kurt-Lee Arendse(2)

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)

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)

Play-off honours

Finals

Finalists
2007Won the Super Rugby final 20–19 against the Sharks19 May 2007
2009Won the Super Rugby final 61–17 against the Chiefs30 May 2009
2010Won the Super Rugby final 25–17 against the Stormers29 May 2010
2021Lost the Pro14 Rainbow Cup final 8–35 against Benetton19 June 2021
2022Lost the United Rugby Championship final 13–18 against the Stormers18 June 2022
2024Lost the United Rugby Championship final 16–21 against the Glasgow22 June 2024

Semi-Finals

Semi-finalists
1996Lost Super Rugby semi-final 11–48 to Blues19 May 1996
2005Lost Super Rugby semi-final 13–23 to Waratahs21 May 2005
2006Lost Super Rugby semi-final 15–35 to Crusaders20 May 2006
2013Lost Super Rugby semi-final 23–26 to Brumbies27 July 2013

Quarter-Finals

Quarter-finalists
2012Lost Super Rugby quarter-final 13–28 to Crusaders21 July 2012
2019Lost Super Rugby quarter-final 28–35 to Hurricanes22 June 2019
2023Lost United Rugby Championship quarter-final 33–21 to Stormers6 May 2023
2024Lost European Rugby Champions Cup quarter-final 59–22 to Northampton Saints13 April 2024

Trophies and Honours

  • Team of the Year for the 2010 season [1]
  • Team of the Year for the 2020 season [2]

Major International Honours as the Bulls

Major Honours in international competitions
CompetitionTitles wonRunner-upSemi-finalistsQuarter-finalistsQualifying-finalistsRound of 16
Super Rugby

(3) 2007, 2009, 2010(0)(4) 1996, 2005, 2006, 2013(1) 2019(1) 2012
Super Rugby Conference trophy

(1) 2013(4) 2012, 2014, 2016, 2019
United Rugby Championship(0)(2) 2021–22, 2023–24(0)(1) 2022–23
United Rugby Championship SA Shield

(1) 2023–24(2) 2021–22, 2022–23
Pro14 Rainbow Cup(0)(1) 2021
Super Rugby Unlocked

(1) 2020(0)
European Rugby Champions Cup(0)(0)(0)(1) 2023–24(1) 2022–23
EPCR Challenge Cup(0)(0)(0)(0)(0)

Major Domestic Honours as Blue Bulls / Blue Bulls XV / Northern Transvaal

Major Honours in domestic competitions
CompetitionTitles wonRunner-upSemi-finalists
Currie Cup

(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) 1954, 1970, 1982, 1983, 1985, 1990, 2005, 2008, 201610
Currie Cup First Division

(1) 2000(0)0
Vodacom Cup

(3) 2001, 2008, 2010(6) 2002, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2009, 20114
Rugby Challenge(0)(0)1
Lion Cup

(3) 1985, 1990, 1991(3) 1987, 1988, 1989-
Percy Frames Trophy

(6) 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991,1992(1) 1994-

Minor Honours

Minor honours
CompetitionNumber 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)
Toyota Challenge(0)(1) 2022
IBG Challenge Cup(1)2024(0)
Mapungubwe Rugby Cup(1)2024(0)

Season-by-season record

Bulls season standings and results
CompetitionSeason Pos PWDLPFPAPDBPPtsPlayoffsSeason ResultConference/ShieldTop points scorerPointsTop try scorerTries
Heineken Cup
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
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-finalistsRunners 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-finalistsRunners up (4)Handré Pollard194Cornal Hendricks, Rosko Specman, Hanro Liebenberg5
201812th166010441502-612295thHandré Pollard144Jesse Kriel8
201715th154011339459-1204203rdTian Schoeman80Jesse Kriel5
20169th15915399339+60442Runners up (3)Francois Brummer109Adriaan Strauss, Travis Ismaiel6
20159th16709397388+910383rdHandré Pollard167Francois Hougaard7
20149th16718365335+30838Runners 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-finalistsRunners 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

References