Bulls stalwart and double World Cup winner Willie le Roux is set to reach 100 Test caps this year, but at the age of 35, it was always going to be interesting to see what next steps his career would take.
It’s understandable that the veteran fullback may primarily begin to play a mentorship role, and on Friday, Le Roux confirmed he had signed an extension with the Bulls that will run through to 2027.
A key factor does indeed relate to mentoring the next crop of young talent.
“South Africa will always be my home, but my teammates at the Bulls have been a big reason behind the decision to stay,” he stated. “Hopefully, I can continue to guide some of the passionate younger players that are coming through over the next two years.”
WILLIE LE ROUX COMMITS TO BULLS OVER INTERNATIONAL OFFERS
Since arriving in Pretoria – at the end of the 2023 Rugby World Cup – Le Roux has made 29 appearances across the United Rugby Championship [24] and the Champions Cup [5] and is now signed to further add to that tally of caps.
The versatile fullback arrived on an initial three-year contract, which would run until the end of June 2026, but his extension signals an attempt to play through to the next World Cup year in 2027.
Director of Rugby Jake White reiterated the need to keep stalwarts like Le Roux in South Africa.
“It is great to be able to have him extend with us. This is what our rugby needs: experienced campaigners to share their IP with the next crop of players.
“Willie has proven to us all – in a short time – just how important he is to what we are trying to achieve, I am sure his extension will be welcomed news to everyone, including players, coaches and our loyal fans.”
Le Roux and his teammates currently sit third on the league table, targeting a run all the way to the end.
Meanwhile, in the cup competition, the Bulls will battle French side Aviron Bayonnais in the EPCR Challenge Cup round of 16 clash, and Le Roux says this is just the start of an all-important three-month period for the side.
“The next 12 weeks are very important for us because when you’re in knockout stages, there are no second chances, when you’re out, you’re out, but we are ready for the challenge!”
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THIS DECISION?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.
Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Src: TheSouthAfrican.com - https://rugga.co.za/springboks/top-springbok-makes-major-career-decision/
