Bulls Look to Strengthen After URC Final Defeat 

By: Lwandiso simanga  

Following a 32–7 loss to Leinster in the URC final at Croke Park—described by Jake White as a “horror movie” and “Test-level rugby”—the Bulls are doubling down on efforts to challenge Ireland’s powerhouse team. 

White praised Leinster’s depth, noting they fielded 22 internationals and still brought Springbok RG Snyman off the bench, underscoring the quality gap He emphasized the need to “fight fire with fire” by recruiting top-tier talent to match Leinster’s strength  

To address this, the Bulls have already secured significant Springbok reinforcements: flyhalf Handré Pollard returns on July 1, former centre Jan Serfontein is set to rejoin from Montpellier, scrumhalf Paul de Wet arrives from the Stormers, and lockflanker Nico Janse van Rensburg comes from Europe). White acknowledged that while “that’s not going to solve it,” these signings are vital steps toward elevating the squad  

Despite the painful third URC final loss in four years, White remained resolute. “Playing in three finals doesn’t give you the right to win,” he said, noting that consistent lessons and incremental improvements are essential With pre-season starting ahead of the September 27 opener against the Ospreys, the Bulls are rallying around renewed ambition. 

White’s overarching message: to challenge Leinster’s dominance, South African teams must prioritize repatriating elite players and building a more competitive foundation.