The Vodacom Bulls will lose one of their most experienced forwards at the end of the season.
The club confirmed on Thursday that Springbok lock Ruan Nortje will depart for Japan.
The 27-year-old brings the curtain down on a near decade-long association with the Pretoria outfit, having become one of the cornerstones of the Bulls pack since making his debut in 2018.
A one-club man at senior level, Nortje has made 146 appearances for the Bulls and could still reach the 150-match milestone with four games remaining in the current campaign.
His relentless work rate and consistency earned him Springbok honours in 2022, and he has since gone on to win 18 Test caps.
Nortje has also captained the Bulls on 37 occasions and played a key role in guiding the next generation of locks through the system.
Speaking from France ahead of the Bulls’ next URC clash, Nortje admitted the decision to leave Loftus was not an easy one.
“Playing for the Bulls was a dream come true. I would have been happy with one game, so to get close to 150 is something I never imagined,” he said.
“I’m incredibly grateful for everyone who played a role in my journey. I’ve built friendships that will last a lifetime. This decision wasn’t easy, but my wife and family come first.”
ALSO: Bulls hail impact of departing star
Nortje said the experience of playing at a packed Loftus Versfeld would remain one of the highlights of his career.
Bulls coach Johan Ackermann praised Nortje’s impact on the team.
“He’s given almost 10 years to this union and has been the heart of the team,” said Ackermann.
“Sometimes a new challenge is the right step, and we fully support him and his family. His leadership and professionalism have been outstanding.”
Bulls CEO Edgar Rathbone echoed that sentiment.
“He represents everything we stand for – commitment, humility and pride. While we’re sad to see him go, we support his decision and thank him for his incredible service.”
Photo: Anton Geyser/Gallo Images
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