The Vodacom Bulls have unveiled a formidable 55-man squad for the upcoming 2026/2027 Vodacom United Rugby Championship campaign, striking a potent balance between seasoned international firepower, strategic new recruits, and a crop of high-octane young talent.
Headlining the group are 15 Springboks, bringing World Cup-winning experience, elite set-piece bite, and proven big-match temperament to Loftus Versfeld. That international core is bolstered by an impressive haul of off-season signings designed to add firepower across the park.
Key additions include lethal backs Thaakir Abrahams (Munster) and Curwin Bosch (Brive), seasoned loose forward Hanro Liebenberg (Leicester Tigers), alongside exciting speedster Hakeem Kunene and prop Mawande Mdanda, both joining from the Hollywoodbets Sharks. Former Pumas centre Sango Xamlashe, Griquas flyer Dylan Maart, and promising playmaker Luan Giliomee round out the new arrivals, though Giliomee will feature following a delayed start to the season.
With a gruelling campaign spanning Europe and South Africa ahead, the extended squad underlines the Vodacom Bulls’ intent to mount a relentless title charge from Round 1.
They start their campaign next weekend with an away trip to Zebre.
Vodacom Bulls 2026/2027 Squad
Forwards (31)
1. Alulutho Tshakweni, Gerhard Steenekamp, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Sti Sithole, Dylan Smith
2. Johan Grobbelaar, Akker van der Merwe, Juann Else, Janco Uys
3. Francois Klopper, Mornay Smith, Khuta Mchunu, Jean Erasmus, Mawande Mdanda
4. Ruan Vermaak, Cobus Wiese, Jaco Grobbelaar
5. JF van Heerden, Reinhardt Ludwig, Heinrich Theron, Nicolaas Jansen van Rensburg
6. Marco van Staden, Marcell Coetzee, Nama Xaba
7. Nizaam Carr, Elrigh Louw, Hanro Liebenberg
8. Cameron Hanekom, Mpilo Gumede, JJ Theron, Jeandré Rudolph
Backs (24)
9. Embrose Papier, Paul de Wet, Zak Burger, Neil le Roux, Keagan Johannes
10. Handré Pollard, Curwin Bosch, Luan Giliomee (delayed start)
11. Stravino Jacobs, Sergeal Petersen, Thaakir Abrahams, Riyaad Bam
12. Harold Vorster, Sango Xamlashe
13. Stedman Gans, Katlego Letebele, Demetri Erasmus
14. Sebastian de Klerk, Canan Moodie, Cheswill Jooste, Dylan Maart
15. Willie le Roux, Devon Williams, Hakeem Kunene