Rossouw, Bulls to part ways
THE announcement yesterday of the departure of Bulls backline coach Pieter Rossouw at the end of the year will pave the way for the return of Springbok and Bulls scrumhalf Fourie du Preez to Loftus Versfeld.
Rossouw’s decision to leave the Bulls after serving them for seven years didn’t come as a surprise, and nor did the likelihood that Du Preez will probably be his replacement.
Du Preez will bring the curtain down on his illustrious international career at the conclusion of this year’s Rugby World Cup, and will also hang up his boots at the end of his contract with Japanese club Suntory at the beginning of next year when the Japanese season comes to an end.
The Bulls had tried to lure Du Preez into playing for them in this year’s Super Rugby competition as part of his preparation before the World Cup, but negotiations fell flat.
While Rossouw’s reason for not wanting to have his contract renewed at the end of the year is that he is to pursue business interests in the Western Cape, rumours have been rife at Loftus that he is unhappy about a number of issues within the management team.
Blue Bulls Company chief executive Barend van Graan yesterday confirmed that the process of appointing Rossouw’s successor had begun, and said an announcement would be made later this year.
“We have a number of candidates who we are looking at, and we will make the necessary announcements when contracts are in place. No further comments will be made until such a time,” said Van Graan.
Bulls coach Frans Ludeke reminisced about the many wins he celebrated with Rossouw in the coach’s box, especially the Super Rugby titles in 2009 and 2010, and the Currie Cup trophy in 2009.
“We had some great times with Pieter, and some special moments in which we celebrated victories and trophies,” said Ludeke. “He was a mentor to a lot of players, but that is life and one must always think about life after rugby.“
There is also uncertainty about Bulls captain Pierre Spies and Francois Hougaard, whose contracts also expire at the end of October, with speculation rife that both are on their way to Japan after the World Cup.
Former Springbok wing Akona Ndungane is set to retire at the end of the season.
Springbok lock Flip van der Merwe and youngster Jacques du Plessis confirmed earlier in the year that they would be going to France at the end of their contracts in October, while lock Grant Hattingh also looks set to take up a lucrative offer in Japan.