Vodacom Bulls Currie Cup head coach Phiwe Nomlomo has confirmed a devastating triple injury blow, ruling out captain Nama Xaba, hooker Shaun Schürmann, and centre PA van Niekerk for the remainder of the season.
The announcement comes at a critical time for the Pretoria-based franchise, following a heavy 56-26 defeat to the Suzuki Griquas in Kimberley that left them at the bottom of the Currie Cup standings.
Currie Cup head coach Phiwe Nomlomo confirmed that lock Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg takes over the captaincy with immediate effect.
Schürmann and Van Niekerk were both forced off early during last Saturday's clash in Kimberley. Nomlomo confirmed on Wednesday that neither player will feature again this season. Regular skipper Nama Xaba joins them on the long-term casualty list, though the exact nature of their injuries has not yet been revealed.
The bad news continues for the Bulls ahead of this Saturday’s Jukskei Derby against the Fidelity ADT Lions at Ellis Park, with Nomlomo revealing even more selection setbacks. JJ Theron and Neil le Roux are ruled out after picking up knocks, while Devon Williams remains a doubt with a late fitness test pending at training.
The current injury toll has severely dampened the optimism generated by the franchise's SA Rugby U23 Cup title triumph just two months ago. Nomlomo highlighted how quickly the squad's depth has been depleted.
“The U23 Cup helped because we were able to play everyone in our squad and prepare for the Currie Cup,” Nomlomo said. “Unfortunately, since then we’ve picked up close to 20 injuries, and that doesn’t help at all. The list is just piling up.”
The Bulls’ depth is facing an unprecedented test. In addition to the Currie Cup campaign, the franchise is kicking off the SA Rugby U20 Cup this weekend, while the senior URC squad prepares to face the All Blacks at Loftus Versfeld on 15 August.
“We’re servicing three teams at the moment,” said Nomlomo. “It’s all hands on deck. We’re doing our best to make sure all the teams are as competitive as possible.”