The Bulls (known for sponsorship reasons as the Vodacom Bulls) are a South African professional rugby union team based in Pretoria. They play their home matches at Loftus Versfeld. They compete in the domestic Currie Cup competition (as the Blue Bulls) and in the United Rugby Championship. They also competed in Super Rugby until 2020.

The side won the Super 14 in 2007, 2009 and 2010, placing them among the most successful teams in Super Rugby history with three titles. They were the most successful team of the Super 14 era (2006–10), winning three out of the five titles. They are the only South African team to win a Super Rugby title.

Formerly known as Northern Transvaal the side has competed in the Currie Cup since 1937 before becoming the Bulls in 1997.

History

Northern Transvaal

The team as it is known today has its beginnings in 1938 when the then Northern Transvaal Rugby Union broke away from the Transvaal Rugby Football Union to gain status as an independent rugby union. The new team was named Northern Transvaal and donned light blue jerseys with a red Barberton Daisy emblem. However, in their very first match, they played in the red and gold hooped jerseys of the Pretoria Combined team that often "locked horns" with teams touring South Africa (red and gold being the colors of Pretoria).

Lion Cup

Northern Transvaal participated in the Lion Cup between 1983 and 1994. The Lion Cup was a domestic rugby union knock-out competition held in South Africa. Northern Transvaal tasted success in the competition on three occasions, winning the competition in 1985, 1990 and 1991. They also finished as runners-up three times in 1987, 1988 and 1989. Northern Transvaal claimed the Lion Cup 62–6 against Natal in 1991 which is one of the biggest victories ever in a .

Currie Cup / Central Series

The Northern Transvaal rugby team participated in the Currie Cup / Central Series from 1986 to 1994. The competition saw the top Currie Cup teams play the Currie Cup Central A teams, with the Currie Cup team with the best playing record awarded the Percy Frames Trophy. Northern Transvaal was the most successful team, claiming six consecutive titles between 1987 and 1992.[citation needed]

Early franchise history

Prior to the professional Super Rugby competition, Northern Transvaal competed in the Super 10, which was a tournament featuring ten teams from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Tonga and Western Samoa, which ran from 1993 to 1995. The top three teams from the previous Currie Cup season qualified for each of the Super 10 tournaments.

Northern Transvaal competed in the 1993 season, where they were grouped in Pool B alongside Transvaal, New South Wales, North Harbour and Waikato. Transvaal finished at the top of the pool, with Northern Transvaal finishing third, behind New South Wales. Northern Transvaal did not qualify for the Super 10 (Southern Hemisphere competition)#1994 Super 10 or 1995 seasons.

Early Professional Era (1996–2005)

After rugby union went professional, the Super 10 tournament was restructured. The Super 12 was created, and was to be competed by teams from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Both Australia and New Zealand adopted new franchise models for their teams, whereas South Africa chose to use the Currie Cup to decide what teams were to be promoted in the Super 12 each season.

Competing in the inaugural Super 12 season of 1996, Northern Transvaal were one of the 12 teams. The side won eight of their 11 games and finished third on the table – behind only Auckland and Queensland. Jannie Kruger finished the season in the top three leading point-scorers, behind only Matt Burke and John Eales. The side was however soundly defeated in a semi-final by the Auckland Blues, with the final score being 48 points to 11. The game was played at Eden Park in Auckland.

After their fairly successful performance in the opening competition, the subsequent competition of 1997 saw them with three wins and three draws from 11 games. They finished at eighth. Following the 1997 season, South Africa adopted a similar franchise system to that of Australia and New Zealand's, abolishing the Currie Cup promotion system in favour of creating new franchises. The Bulls were formed as one of the four new teams. They did not make the semis in the 1998 season. The Bulls were considered one of the worst teams in the Super 12 competition, finishing last or second to last for five consecutive seasons from 1998 to 2003. In 2002, they became the first team ever to go through an entire Super Rugby season without winning a single game. This record remained until the Lions repeated the feat during the 2010 season. After finishing fourth in the inaugural competition, they did not make the semis again until the years 2003.

The Bulls finished in 6th place in both 2003 and 2004, though still missing out on a finals position. They equalled there 1996 performance in 2005, although there was a very poor start to the season, it was followed by six straight wins to earn them a semi-final berth, where they were defeated by the New South Wales Waratahs. Bryan Habana finished in the top three try-scorers by the end of the season, and was short-listed for IRB player of the year.

Super 14 Era (2006–10)

The Bulls playing the Western Force in Perth, Australia in 2006

In 2006, the Super 12 became the Super 14, with the addition of two new franchises, the Cheetahs and the Western Force. By the last round of the 2006 season, the Bulls, along with the Brumbies and Sharks were all in contention to take the fourth and final position on the ladder to make the semi-finals. After the Brumbies were defeated 33 to 3 by the Crusaders, the Bulls or Sharks could mathematically take the fourth spot. The Bulls defeated the Stormers at Newlands in Cape Town 43 points to 10, which ensured they went through to the semi-finals. The Bulls travelled to Christchurch where they were defeated 35 to 15 at Jade Stadium and knocked out of the finals.

The Bulls lost their first game of the 2007 Super 14 season, going down to the Sharks in Durban 17 points to 3. Entering week 14, the last round of the regular season, the Bulls were chasing an unlikely 72-point win over the Queensland Reds in order to move into second place and get a home semi-final. At Loftus, the Bulls defeated the Reds 92 points to 3, with the 89-point margin of victory setting a new Super rugby record. The Bulls ran in 13 tries with four players getting doubles and Derick Hougaard kicking 11 conversions. The Sharks finished first, so it became the first time that both home venues in the semi-finals was in South Africa.

The Bulls defeated the Crusaders in their semi-final by 27 points to 12, with Derick Hougaard kicking eight penalties and a drop-goal. The Sharks ensured a home-final in the 2007 Super 14-competition by defeating the Blues with a scoreline of 34–18.

When the Bulls met the Sharks in the Super 14 final at the Absa Stadium in Durban the match turned out to be a tight, nervous affair with the Bulls initially being guilty of indiscipline and making a lot of mistakes. The Sharks carried a 14–10 advantage into half-time after a JP Pietersen try cancelled out one from Pierre Spies. The second half of the match was just as nail-biting, with the Bulls gaining the ascendancy in the match, but failing to turn their rising amount of possession into points. A Derick Hougaard penalty closed the gap to 14–13, after which the Bulls made several onslaughts on the Sharks line, only to lose the ball at critical stages. Their match looked to be all but over for the Bulls when Albert van den Berg barged over the line for a Sharks try two minutes from full-time to stretch their lead to six points. However, François Steyn failed with the conversion attempt, and the Bulls restarted with barely seconds on the clock. After regaining the ball from the kick-off, play went through several phases before Bryan Habana received the ball on the right wing. He cut infield and scored the most dramatic of match winning tries, more than a minute after official play. The try was converted by Derick Hougaard and the Bulls won the match 20–19. In 2009 the Bulls again won the Super 14, defeating the Chiefs 61 – 17 in the final in Pretoria.

In 2010 the Bulls again finished top of the log by beating the Crusaders in a home semi final to secure a home final. Because the FIFA World Cup was being hosted by South Africa that year and Loftus was included as a venue, they had to play the semi and final in Soweto, a first in Super Rugby history. The Stormers had beaten the Waratahs at home and would face off with the Bulls in the Final. The Bulls won the final once again in dramatic style when Francois Hougaard sidestepped the Stormers fullback Joe Petersen to score an impressive try.

Super Rugby Era (2011–2020)

The Bulls only managed the Super Rugby South African Conference trophy in 2013 and they were three time conference runner-up in 2012, 2014 and 2019. They also reached the Qualifiers twice and Semi-final once but lost all three play-off matches.

After the 2020 Super Rugby season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a replacement tournament was announced for each country. The South African tournament was called Super Rugby Unlocked and the Bulls were crowned the champions after ending top of the log.

The South African teams withdrew from the competition entirely, making the Bulls the only South African winners of any form of the Super Rugby trophy.

Pro14 and United Rugby Championship Era (2021–present)

The Pro14 Rainbow Cup was announced as an end-of-season cup competition to introduce the South African teams after their withdrawal from Super Rugby. After the regular season the top of the South African log Bulls faced European top Benetton in the final in Italy. The Bulls lost their first match in Europe as well as the Pro14 Rainbow Cup final 35–8.

The 2021–22 season was a tough start for the Bulls with two straight losses in Europe against Leinster 31-3 and Connacht 34–7. The Bulls got their first win in Europe on 9 October 2021 beating Cardiff Blues 29–19.

They went on to finish in 4th place on the overall standings after regular season, securing a home quarter-final.

Rivalries

Through the years the rivalry between the Blue Bulls and Western Province grew, and a clash between these two sides became one of the Currie Cup's biggest rivalries. The first time that the two sides met in a Currie Cup final was in 1946, which was also Northern Transvaal's first final contest. The match was played at Northern Transvaal's home ground at Loftus Versfeld, and saw Western Province go down 11 to 9.

After meeting in numerous other finals following 1946, it was not until the 1982 season, whenWestern Province defeated Northern Transvaal in a Currie Cup final. In the 1980s the two sides met in six Currie Cup finals, with Western Province winning three of them and one being drawn. One of the most recent Currie Cup seasons when both sides made it to the final was the 1998 season: The Blue Bulls beat the Western Province by four points, 24 to 20, at Loftus Versfeld.

Location

Bulletjie, the Blue Bulls mascot

The team is centred around the Blue Bulls Rugby Union, whose catchment covers Pretoria as well as Limpopo province, but also draws players from the Falcons Rugby Union, who represent the East Rand. Through 2005, the Bulls also drew players from the Pumas Rugby Union and Leopards Rugby Union, but in the realignment of franchise areas that came from the expansion of Super 12 to Super 14, these unions were moved into the Lions.

Stadium

The Bulls play all their home matches at the Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria, which is also the home of the Blue Bulls during the Currie Cup season. The stadium is also a regular host for Springboks Test matches, and was a venue during the 1995 Rugby World Cup which South Africa hosted. Loftus was a venue for Pool D matches including France v Tonga, Scotland v Tonga and France v Scotland. Loftus was also used twice during the finals stages – for the New Zealand v Scotland quarter-final and the England v France third place play-off.

The ground has been used for rugby since 1908, and in 1932 the stadium was renamed to Loftus Versfeld in honor of Robert Owen Loftus Versfeld, the founder of organized rugby in Pretoria. The stadium has undergone numerous renovations over the years, and is currently capable of holding 51,762 spectators.

Primary sponsor

Since 2005, the team's main sponsor has been mobile communications company Vodacom. On the team's website and all team-issued press releases, the Bulls are referred to as the Vodacom Bulls.

Current squad

The Bulls squad for the 2025–26 United Rugby Championship is:

2025–26 Bulls squad
Props South Africa national rugby union team Jean Erasmus South Africa national rugby union team Francois Klopper South Africa national rugby union team Wilco Louw South Africa national rugby union team Khutha Mchunu South Africa national rugby union team Mornay Smith South Africa national rugby union team Gerhard Steenekamp South Africa national rugby union team Sti Sithole South Africa national rugby union team Ruan Swart South Africa national rugby union team Alulutho Tshakweni South Africa national rugby union team Jan-Hendrik Wessels Hookers South Africa national rugby union team Juann Else South Africa national rugby union team Johan Grobbelaar South Africa national rugby union team Esethu Mnebelele South Africa national rugby union team Akker van der Merwe Locks South Africa national rugby union team Jaco Grobbelaar South Africa national rugby union team Nico Janse van Rensburg South Africa national rugby union team Reinhardt Ludwig South Africa national rugby union team Sintu Manjezi South Africa national rugby union team Ruan Nortjé (c) South Africa national rugby union team JF van Heerden South Africa national rugby union team Ruan Vermaak South Africa national rugby union team Cobus WieseBack row South Africa national rugby union team Nizaam Carr South Africa national rugby union team Marcell Coetzee South Africa national rugby union team Mpilo Gumede South Africa national rugby union team Cameron Hanekom South Africa national rugby union team Jannes Kirsten South Africa national rugby union team Elrigh Louw South Africa national rugby union team Jeandré Rudolph South Africa national rugby union team JJ Theron South Africa national rugby union team Marco van Staden South Africa national rugby union team Nama Xaba Scrum-halves South Africa national rugby union team Zak Burger South Africa national rugby union team Paul de Wet South Africa national rugby union team Steven Nel South Africa national rugby union team Embrose Papier Fly-halves South Africa national rugby union team Johan Goosen South Africa national rugby union team Keagan Johannes South Africa national rugby union team Handré Pollard South Africa national rugby union team Kade WolhuterCentres South Africa national rugby union team Stedman Gans South Africa national rugby union team David Kriel South Africa national rugby union team Katlego Letebele South Africa national rugby union team Jan Serfontein South Africa national rugby union team PA van Niekerk South Africa national rugby union team Harold Vorster Wings South Africa national rugby union team Kurt-Lee Arendse South Africa national rugby union team Sebastian de Klerk South Africa national rugby union team Stravino Jacobs South Africa national rugby union team Cheswill Jooste South Africa national rugby union team Canan Moodie South Africa national rugby union team Sergeal Petersen Fullbacks South Africa national rugby union team Henry Immelman South Africa national rugby union team Willie le Roux South Africa national rugby union team Devon Williams
(c) denotes the team captain. Bold denotes internationally capped players. * denotes players qualified to play for South Africa on residency or dual nationality.Source:

The following players have been included so far in the Blue Bulls squad for the 2025 Currie Cup Premier Division:

Blue Bulls Currie Cup squad
Props South Africa Casper Badenhorst South Africa Jean Erasmus South Africa Lizo Gqoboka South Africa Cohen Kiewit ADD South Africa Francois Klopper South Africa Bryan le Roux ADD South Africa Simphiwe Matanzima South Africa Khutha Mchunu South Africa Dylan Smith South Africa Mornay Smith ADD South Africa Ruan Swart South Africa Alulutho Tshakweni ADD Hookers South Africa Juann Else South Africa Johan Grobbelaar ADD South Africa Esethu Mnebelele South Africa Shaun Schurmann South Africa Joe van Zyl Locks South Africa Corné Beets South Africa Dylan de Leeuw South Africa Jaco Grobbelaar South Africa Sintu Manjezi South Africa Marvin Orie South Africa Heinrich Theron South Africa JJ Theron South Africa Abri van der Westhuizen South Africa JF van Heerden ADD South Africa Cobus Wiese ADDLoose forwards South Africa Nizaam Carr South Africa Marcell Coetzee ADD South Africa Marco Ferreira South Africa Mpilo Gumede South Africa Junior Pokomela South Africa Jeandré Rudolph Scotland Josh Strauss ADD South Africa Nama Xaba (c) Scrum-halves South Africa Zak Burger South Africa Paul de Wet ADD South Africa Steven Nel South Africa Brooklyn Newman South Africa Daimon O'Connell South Africa Embrose Papier ADD Fly-halves South Africa Boeta Chamberlain South Africa Keagan Johannes ADD South Africa Liam Koen Scotland Jaco van der WaltCentres South Africa Demitre Erasmus South Africa Stedman Gans South Africa David Kriel ADD South Africa Katlego Letebele South Africa Jan Serfontein ADD South Africa Chris Smit South Africa Cornel Smit South Africa PA van Niekerk South Africa Harold Vorster ADD Wings South Africa Aphiwe Dyantyi South Africa Alfondso Isaacs ADD South Africa Stravino Jacobs South Africa Cheswill Jooste Fullbacks South Africa Riyaad Bam South Africa Henry Immelman South Africa Devon Williams ADD
(c) Denotes team captain, Bold denotes internationally capped, denotes a player ruled out for the season through injury and ADD denotes an additional player from outside the main squad.

Coaches

Captains

Former players

Statistics

Overall results by opponent in all competitions

The complete results for the Bulls vs different opponents in all competitions

Super Rugby, Super Rugby Unlocked, Preparation Series, Pro14 Rainbow Cup, United Rugby Championship, European Rugby Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, Toyota Challenge
OppositionSpanPlayedWonDrawnLostWin%Points forPPMAgaBest scoreWorst score40–49 points50+ points
South Africa Sharks1996–2025472831659.57%110623.53102144–10 (2023–24) URC47–20 (2022–23) URC60
Australia Waratahs1996–2019221201054.55%50623.0060948–38 (2010) Super Rugby53–7 (2001) Super Rugby10
New Zealand Highlanders1996–202023721430.43%56824.7064459–29 (1996) Super Rugby65–23 (1999) Super Rugby22
Australia Reds1996–2020231001343.48%61426.7052192–3 (2007) Super Rugby48–12 (2002) Super Rugby22
New Zealand Crusaders1996–2019271001737.04%62623.1990940–35 (2010) Super Rugby75–27 (2000) Super Rugby10
New Zealand Blues1996–202023721430.43%58825.5775959–26 (2009) Super Rugby65–24 (2002) Super Rugby21
New Zealand Chiefs1996–201923821334.78%63627.6574561–17 (2009) Super Rugby Final53–24 (2002) Super Rugby11
South Africa Lions1996–2025392511364.10%112328.7998862–52 (2004) Super Rugby57–24 (1999) Super Rugby22
New Zealand Hurricanes1996–2019221001245.45%56725.7760248–14 (2013) Super Rugby64–32 (1997) Super Rugby40
Australia Brumbies1996–201923801534.78%56824.7067250–32 (2010) Super Rugby73–9 (1999) Super Rugby11
South Africa Stormers1996–2025471812838.30%108623.11104875–14 (2005) Super Rugby42–19 (1999) Super Rugby41
South Africa Cheetahs1997–202222160672.73%66930.4149660–20 (2008) Super Rugby42–29 (2015) Super Rugby23
Australia Force2006–20161060460.00%26426.4022142–20 (2016) Super Rugby30–27 (2007) Super Rugby10
Australia Rebels2011–2019760185.71%25336.1412547–10 (2011) Super Rugby35–41 (2012) Super Rugby40
South Africa Southern Kings2013–2017430175.00%15037.505548–18 (2013) Super Rugby31–30 (2017) Super Rugby10
Japan Sunwolves2016–2018530260.00%17134.2011450–3 (2016) Super Rugby42–37 (2018) Super Rugby01
Argentina Jaguares2016–2020720528.57%16022.8621843–34 (2018) Super Rugby54–25 (2018) Super Rugby10
South Africa Griquas2020–20201100100.00%3030.002330–23 (2020) Super Rugby Unlocked23–30 (2020) Super Rugby Unlocked00
South Africa Pumas2020–20212200100.00%6934.503648–31 (2020) Preparation Series31–48 (2020) Preparation Series10
South Africa Eastern Province Elephants2021–20211100100.00%8787.001087–10 (2021) Preparation Series10–87 (2021) Preparation Series01
Italy Benetton2021–2024650183.33%20133.5015956–35 (2023–24) URC35–8 (2021) Rainbow Cup Final21
Ireland Leinster2021–2025740257.14%15922.7118362–7 (2022–23) URC47–14 (2023–24) URC01
Ireland Connacht2021–2024430175.99%11629.008953–27 (2023–24) URC34–7 (2021–22) URC01
Wales Cardiff2021–20254400100.00%13734.256145–9 (2022–23) URC21–45 (2024–25) URC20
Scotland Edinburgh2021–2025630350.00%15826.3416242–33 (2024–25) URC34–28 (2024–25) URC10
Italy Zebre Parma2022–20254400100.00%24060.007278–12 (2022–23) URC29–54 (2023–24) URC13
Ireland Munster2022–2025420260.00%8421.009529–24 (2021–22) URC31–17 (2022–23) URC00
Wales Scarlets2022–2024420250.67%17042.509363–21 (2023–24) URC37–28 (2022–23) URC02
Wales Dragons2022–20254400100.00%17042.505955–15 (2024–25) URC20–55 (2021–22) URC02
Ireland Ulster2022–2024420250.00%12330.759547–21 (2024–25) URC32–23 (2022–23) URC10
Scotland Glasgow Warriors2022–2025530260.00%13226.4012640–34 (2024–25) URC35–21 (2022–23) URC10
Wales Ospreys2022–20244400100.00%17142.7510061–24 (2023–24) URC31–38 (2021–22) URC11
France Lyon2022–2024420250.00%13634.0011559–19 (2023–24) Heineken Cup36–42 (2022–23) Heineken Cup11
England Exeter Chiefs2022–2023210150.00%5326.507239–28 (2022–23) Heineken Cup44–14 (2022–23) Heineken Cup00
France Toulouse2023–202310010.00%99.00339–33 (2022–23) Heineken Cup33–9 (2022–23) Heineken Cup00
England Saracens2023–2024210150.00%3216.004327–16 (2023–24) Heineken Cup27–5 (2024–25) Heineken Cup00
England Bristol Bears2024–20241100100.00%3131.001731–17 (2023–24) Heineken Cup17–31 (2022–23) Heineken Cup00
France Bordeaux2024–20241100100.00%4646.004046–40 (2023–24) Heineken Cup40–46 (2022–23) Heineken Cup10
England Northampton Saints2024–202420020.00%4321.508922–59 (2023–24) Heineken Cup59–22 (2022–23) Heineken Cup00
France Castres2025–202510010.00%1010.004910–49 (2024–25)49–10 (2024–25)00
France Stade Français2025–20251100100.00%4848.00748–7 (2024–25)7–48 (2024–25)10
France Bayonne2025–20251100100.00%3232.002232–22 (2024–25)22–32 (2024–25)00
Super Rugby1996–20203351581116647.16%862625.75887592–3 vs Reds (2007)75–27 vs Crusaders (2000)3014
Super Rugby Unlocked2020–2020650183.33%17829.679241–14 vs Sharks (2021)25–30 vs Lions (2021)10
Preparation Series2021–2021430175.00%18145.2511587–10 vs Eastern Province Elephants (2021)45–12 vs Sharks (2021)11
United Rugby Championship2021–2025805202865.00%248431.05182578–12 vs Zebre (2022–23)47–14 vs Leinster (2023–24)1211
Pro14 Rainbow Cup2021–2021750271.43%19127.2915243–9 vs Sharks (2021)35–8 vs Benetton (2021)10
European Rugby Champions Cup2022–20251570846.67%40827.2046559–19 vs Lyon (2023–24)59–22 vs Northampton Saints (2023–24)31
EPCR Challenge Cup2025–2025210150.00%6030.005632–22 vs Bayonne (2024–25)34–28 vs Edinburgh (2024–25)00
Toyota Challenge2022–202210010.00%1414.001714–17 vs Cheetahs (2022)17–14 vs Cheetahs (2022)00
Overall1996–20254502311120851.33%1214226.981159792–3 vs Reds (2007)75–27 vs Crusaders (2000)4827

Results by opposition in the Currie Cup

Currie Cup
OppositionSpanPlayedWonDrawnLostWin%Points forPPMAgaBest scoreWorst score40-49 points50+ points
Western Province1996–2025582922750.00%162327.98157564–29 (2003)63–26 (2003)83
Free State Cheetahs1996–2025552942252.73%154428.07148364–36 (2017)57–27 (1997)44
Golden Lions1996–2025492802157.14%142028.98134354–22 (2017)62–23 (2013)63
Griquas1996–2025473601176.60%188740.15119377–30 (2001)58–37 (2000)1810
Boland Cavaliers1996–202514120285.71%64446.0028172–16 (2009)35–26 (2016) Qualification27
Falcons1996–201617141282.35%67339.5931680–22 (1996)36–33 (2000) Bankfin Cup44
SWD Eagles1996–201614130192.86%70950.64255147–8 (1996)32–36 (1999)25
Griffons1996–20241190281.82%55950.8224889–31 (1999)37–43 (2000) Bankfin Cup17
Sharks1997–2025511823135.29%126024.71128364–0 (2025)39–27 (2011)72
Pumas1997–202533260778.79%111133.6778766–3 (2006)63–15 (2023)64
Eastern Province1997–201612100283.33%50341.9232569–28 (2005) Qualification50–48 (2002)52
Leopards1997–201615140193.33%73749.1335692–21 (2011)51–26 (2016) Qualification36
Border Bulldogs1997–2016640266.67%23539.1713159–21 (1998)26–23 (2000)12
Welwitschias2016–20161100100.00%9595.001295–12 (2016) Qualification12–95 (2016) Qualification01
Overall1996–2025383243913163.45%1300033.949588147–8 SWD Eagles (1996)63–15 Pumas (2023)6760
  • All this data includes all playoff matches (quarterfinals, semi-finals and finals)
  • 2000, 2001, 2002, 2005 and 2016 Currie Cup Qualification results included.
  • 2000 Bankfin Cup results included.
  • Correct as of 7 December 2025

Bulls XV

The Blue Bulls Vodacom Cup and SuperSport Rugby Challenge results vs different opponents

Added together based on the fact that both competitions serves as the second tier in South African rugby. In some of these fixtures, the Blue Bulls were represented by the Blue Bulls XV.

Vodacom Cup and Rugby Challenge
OppositionSpanPlayedWonDrawnLostWin%Points forPPMAgaBest scoreWorst score40-49 points50+ points
Golden Lions XV1998–2019281301546.43%82729.5487262–24 (2019)63–27 (2002)34
Leopards1998–201923181478.26%80535.0056663–36 (2019)41–45 (1999)62
Pumas1998–201922911240.91%61327.8663549–16 (2005)51–22 (1999)30
Falcons1998–201921160576.19%82339.1946274–14 (2013)39–21 (2002)26
Griquas1998–201919901047.37%54228.5355052–20 (2002)40–25 (2000)61
Griffons1998–201915140193.33%63142.0729989–10 (2013)36–25 (1999)34
Sharks1998–20171170463.64%31628.7325851–18 (2004)57–27 (1998)11
Welwitschias1999–2019101000100.00%62562.5020392–7 (2017)34–58 (2010)27
Western Province2000–20171160554.55%32829.8223860–33 (2002)37–35 (2008)21
Boland Cavaliers2001–2011970277.78%34438.2226250–29 (2002)45–47 (2002)41
Free State Cheetahs2001–201514130192.85%52637.5738268–22 (2008)50–23 (2004)51
Border Bulldogs2001–2011750271.43%25937.0012552–12 (2001)33–26 (2005)02
SWD Eagles2001–2011530260.00%15430.8013446–31 (2002)33–27 (2008)10
Eastern Province Kings2006–2013430175.00%13834.5011743–22 (2006)34–31 (2013)10
Pampas XV2011–201120020.00%3115.504122–27 (2011)27–22 (2011)00
Limpopo Blue Bulls2013–20153300100.00%307102.3313114–0 (2014)13–83 (2015)03
Overall1998–201920413626666.67%726935.635157114–0 vs Limpopo Blue Bulls Vodacom Cup 201463–27 Vs Golden Lions (2002)3933
  • Fixtures as the Blue Bulls XV included.
  • All this data includes all playoff matches (quarterfinals, semi-finals and finals)
  • All fixtures added 1998 - 2019

Other notable results:

DateOpponentLocationResultBulls scoreOpponent scoreNotes
1 February 2001Fiji Developmental sideFijiLost2735
3 February 2001FijiFijiWon3319
7 February 2001Fiji WarriorsFijiWon1914
31 January 2015England SaracensAllianz Park, LondonWon3926
17 July 2021South Africa ACape Town Stadium, Cape TownWon1714

Bulls records

United Rugby Championship (Rainbow Cup), Heineken Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup and Super Rugby records

Individual Records

Individual RecordsUnited Rugby ChampionshipHeineken CupEPCR Challenge CupSuper Rugby
Most points388 by Chris Smith58 by Johan Goosen15 by David Kriel1487 by Morné Steyn
Most tries24 by Kurt-Lee Arendse4 by David Kriel, Sebastian de Klerk, Marcell Coetzee, Embrose Papier, Cameron Hanekom3 by David Kriel37 by Bryan Habana (2005–09) 2nd Akona Ndungane 33 tries (2005–14)
Most conversions92 by Chris Smith18 by Johan Goosen3 by Johan Goosen, Keagan Johannes245 by Morné Steyn
Most penalty kicks57 by Chris Smith8 by Chris Smith1 by Johan Goosen, Keagan Johannes283 by Morné Steyn
Most drop goals1 by Chris Smithrecord not setrecord not set26 by Morné Steyn

Match Records

Match RecordsUnited Rugby ChampionshipHeineken CupEPCR Challenge CupSuper Rugby
Biggest victory.78–12 (v. Zebre, 2023)59-19 (v. Lyon, 2024)32-22 (v. Bayonne, 2025)92–3 (v. Queensland Reds, 2007)
Largest points for78 (v. Zebre, 2023)59 (v. Lyon, 2024)32 (v. Bayonne, 2025)92 (v. Queensland Reds, 2007)
Biggest defeat14–47 (v. Leinster, 2024)22-59 (v. Northampton Saints, 2024)34-28 (v. Edinburgh, 2025)9–73 (v ACT Brumbies, 1999)
Most points conceded47 (v. Sharks, 2022), (v. Leinster, 2024)59 (v. Northampton Saints, 2024)34 (v. Edinburgh, 2025)75 (v Crusaders, 2000)
Most tries:11 (v. Zebre, 2023)9 (v. Lyon, 2024)4 tries on two occasions13 (v Queensland Reds, 2007)
Most tries conceded7 (v. Leinster, 2024)9 (v. Northampton Saints, 2024)4 (v. Edinburgh, 2025)11 (v Crusaders, 2000)
Most points by a player23 by Johan Goosen (v. Zebre 2023)13 by Chris Smith (v. Lyon, 2023)10 by David Kriel (v. Edinburgh, 2025)35 by Morné Steyn (v Stormers, 2005, v Brumbies 2010)
Most tries by a player3 (hat-trick) by Cornal Hendricks (v. Ospreys, 2022),Canan Moodie (v. Zebre 2023),David Kriel (v. Zebre 2023), Canan Moodie (v. Benetton 2024), Johan Grobbelaar (v. Ospreys, 2025)2 tries on 5 occasions2 by David Kriel (v. Edinburgh, 2025)3 by Adriaan Richter (v. Blues, 1997), Fourie du Preez (v. Cats, 2004), Wynand Olivier (v. Rebels, 2011), Bjorn Basson (v. Rebels, 2016), Warrick Gelant (v. Sharks, 2017), Adriaan Strauss (v. Stormers, 2018), Warrick Gelant (v. Sharks, 2018), Rosko Specman (v. Highlanders, 2020)
Most conversions by a player10 by Johan Goosen (v. Zebre 2023)6 by Morné Steyn (v. Lyon, 2022)2 on two occasions11 by Derick Hougaard (v. Queensland Reds, 2007)
Most penalties by a player5 by Morné Steyn (v. Sharks, 2021), Chris Smith (v. Cardiff 2021), Chris Smith (v. Munster 2022)3 by Chris Smith (v. Toulouse, 2023), Chris Smith (v. Lyon, 2023)1 on two occasions8 by Jannie de Beer (v. Highlanders, 1996), Derick Hougaard (v. Crusaders, 2007)
Most drop goals by a player1 by Chris Smith (v. Sharks 2022), Keagan Johannes (v. Connacht 2025)record not setrecord not set4 by Morné Steyn (v. Crusaders, 2009)

Winning Streaks

Winning StreaksUnited Rugby ChampionshipHeineken CupEPCR Challenge CupSuper Rugby
Most consecutive victories6 (27 April 2024 – 22 June 2024)3 victories1 victory12 (25 April 2009 – 27 March 2010)

Season Records

Season RecordsUnited Rugby ChampionshipHeineken CupEPCR Challenge CupSuper Rugby
Most points710 (2023–24)213 (2023–24)60 (2024-25)500 (2010)
Most team tries92 (2023–24)28 (2023–24)8 (2024-25)59 (2018)
Most team conversions70 (2023–24)23 (2023–24)6 (2024-25)47 (2018)
Most team penalties36 (2023–24)9 (2023–24)2 (2024-25)62 (2010)
Most team drop goals1 (2021–22)record not setrecord not set11 (2009)
Most points by a player167 by Johan Goosen (2023–24)41 by Johan Goosen15 by David Kriel263 by Morné Steyn (2010 – Super Rugby record)
Most tries by a player12 by Akker van der Merwe (2023–24)3 by David Kriel, Marcell Coetzee, Embrose Papier, Sebastian de Klerk (2023–24)3 by David Kriel11 by Bjorn Basson (2012)
Most conversions by a player45 by Johan Goosen (2023–24)16 by Johan Goosen (2023–24)3 by Johan Goosen, Keagan Johannes38 by Morné Steyn (2010)
Most penalty kicks by a player24 by Johan Goosen (2023–24)4 by Chris Smith (2022–23)&(2023–24)1 by Johan Goosen, Keagan Johannes51 Morné Steyn (2010 – Super Rugby Record)
Most drop goals by a player1 by Chris Smith (2021–22)record not setrecord not set11 by Morné Steyn (2009, Super Rugby Record)
  • Correct as of 13 April 2025 (United Rugby Championship not updated with current season yet)
  • Pro14 Rainbow Cup also included as URC points.

Season Awards

United Rugby Championship

United Rugby Championship Team of the Year The following Bulls players were selected in the URC team of the year.

SeasonPlayers
2021–22Johan Grobbelaar, Ruan Nortjé, Marcell Coetzee
2022–23Kurt-Lee Arendse
2023–24Wilco Louw, Akker van der Merwe, Ruan Nortjé(2), Elrigh Louw, Cameron Hanekom, Kurt-Lee Arendse(2)
2023–24Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Wilco Louw (2), Cameron Hanekom (2)

United Rugby Championship Golden Boot The Golden Boot is awarded to the kicker who has successfully converted the highest percentage of place kicksTo be eligible, the player must have taken at least 20 kicks at goal.

SeasonWinnerPercentage
2022–23Johan Goosen90%
2023–24Chris Smith90%

United Rugby Championship Ironman of the Year The award for having played the most minutes in the URC during the season.

SeasonPlayers
2021–22Ruan Nortjé (1,394)

United Rugby Championship Next-Gen Player of the Year The award is to recognize young up and coming talent.

SeasonPlayers
2024–25Cameron Hanekom

All Time Records

Individual RecordsHeld by
Most points1708 by Morné Steyn (2005 – 2023)
Most tries37 by Bryan Habana (2005–2009)
Most conversions309 by Morné Steyn (2005 – 2023)
Most penalty kicks314 by Morné Steyn (2005 – 2023)
Most drop goals26 by Morné Steyn (2005 – 2023)

Currie Cup records

Bulls Currie Cup records:

Team Match Records
RecordOppositionVenueSeason
Biggest win:SWD EaglesPolokwane1996147–8
Heaviest defeat:PumasPretoria202315–63
Highest score:SWD EaglesPolokwane1996147
Most points conceded:HurricanesYarrow Stadium, New Plymouth199764
Most tries:SWD EaglesPolokwane199623
Player Match Records
RecordPlayerOppositionVenueSeason
Most points by a player:Casper SteynSWD EaglesPretoria200040
Most tries by a player:Jacques OlivierSWD EaglesPolokwane19967
Most conversions by a player:Willie du PlessisLimpopo Blue BullsLephalale201315
Most Currie Cup conversions by a player:Lance SherrellSWD EaglesPolokwane199614
Most penalties by a player:Jannie KrugerWestern ProvincePretoria19969
Derick HougaardWestern ProvincePretoria20029
Most drop goals by a player:Naas BothaNatalPretoriaN/A5
Team Season Records
RecordMatchesSeason
Most team points:in 28 matches19961193
Most Currie Cup team points:in 13 matches1996783
Most team tries:in 28 matches2004142
Player Season Records
RecordPlayerSeason
Most points by a player:Casper Steyn1999361
Most Currie Cup points by a player:Johan Heunis1989268
Most tries by a player:Pierre Spies197525
Most Currie Cup tries by a player:Ettienne Botha200418
Player Career Records
RecordPlayerSeasons
Most appearances:Burger Geldenhuys1977–1989184
Most points:Naas Botha1977–19922511
Most tries:Deon Oosthuysen1986–199485

Play-off honours

Finals

Finalists
2007Won the Super Rugby final 20–19 against the Sharks19 May 2007
2009Won the Super Rugby final 61–17 against the Chiefs30 May 2009
2010Won the Super Rugby final 25–17 against the Stormers29 May 2010
2021Lost the Pro14 Rainbow Cup final 8–35 against Benetton19 June 2021
2022Lost the United Rugby Championship final 13–18 against the Stormers18 June 2022
2024Lost the United Rugby Championship final 16–21 against Glasgow22 June 2024
2025Lost the United Rugby Championship final 7–32 against Leinster14 June 2025

Semi-Finals

Semi-finalists
1996Lost Super Rugby semi-final 11–48 to Blues19 May 1996
2005Lost Super Rugby semi-final 13–23 to Waratahs21 May 2005
2006Lost Super Rugby semi-final 15–35 to Crusaders20 May 2006
2013Lost Super Rugby semi-final 23–26 to Brumbies27 July 2013

Quarter-Finals

Quarter-finalists
2012Lost Super Rugby quarter-final 13–28 to Crusaders21 July 2012
2019Lost Super Rugby quarter-final 28–35 to Hurricanes22 June 2019
2023Lost United Rugby Championship quarter-final 33–21 to Stormers6 May 2023
2024Lost European Rugby Champions Cup quarter-final 59–22 to Northampton Saints13 April 2024
2025Lost EPCR Challenge Cup quarter-final 28–34 to Edinburgh12 April 2025

Trophies and Honours

  • Team of the Year for the 2010 season
  • Team of the Year for the 2020 season

Major International and Domestic Honours

Major Honours in international competitions
CompetitionSpanTitles wonRunner-upSemi-finalistsQuarter-finalistsQualifying-finalistsRound of 16
Super 101993(0)(0)'
Super Rugby1996-2020(3) 2007, 2009, 2010(0)(4) 1996, 2005, 2006, 2013(1) 2019(1) 2012
Super Rugby Conference trophy2011-2019(1) 2013(4) 2012, 2014, 2016, 2019
United Rugby Championship2021-2025(0)(3) 2021–22, 2023–24, 2024–25(0)(1) 2022–23
United Rugby Championship SA Shield2021-2025(1) 2023–24(2) 2021–22, 2022–23
Pro14 Rainbow Cup2021(0)(1) 2021
Super Rugby Unlocked2020(1) 2020(0)
European Rugby Champions Cup2022-2025(0)(0)(0)(1) 2023–24(2) 2022–23, 2025–26
EPCR Challenge Cup2025(0)(0)(0)(1) 2024-25(0)
Major Honours in domestic competitions
Currie Cup1939-2025(25) 1946, 1956, 1968, 1969, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1977, 1978, 1980, 1981, 1987, 1988, 1991, 1998, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2009, 2020–21, 2021 (Title shared in 1971, 1979, 1989, 2006)(9)(10)(1)
Currie Cup First Division2000(1) 2000(0)(0)
Lion Cup1983-1994(3) 1985, 1990, 1991(3) 1987, 1988, 1989(4) 1983, 1984, 1986, 1993(1) 1994
Vodacom Cup1998-2015(3) 2001, 2008, 2010(6) 2002, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2009, 2011(4) 2005, 2012, 2014, 2015(2) 2000, 2013
Rugby Challenge2017-2019(0)(0)(1) 2017(1) 2018
Toyota Challenge2022(0)(1) 2022(0)
M-Net Nite Series1992-1995(3) 1992, 1993, 1995(0)
Percy Frames Trophy1986-1994(6) 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992(1) 1994
Teljoy Cup1986-1992(5) 1986, 1987, 1988, 1990, 1992(1) 1991
Ellis Park Challenge Series1985(1) 1985(0)

Currie Cup finals

SeasonWinnersScoreRunner-upVenue
1946Northern Transvaal11 - 9Western ProvinceLoftus Versfeld, Pretoria
1954Western Province11 - 8Northern TransvaalNewlands, Cape Town
1956Northern Transvaal9 - 8SharksKings Park, Durban
1968Northern Transvaal16 - 3TransvaalLoftus Versfeld, Pretoria
1969Northern Transvaal28 - 13Western ProvinceLoftus Versfeld, Pretoria
1970Griqualand West11 - 9Northern TransvaalDe Beers, Kimberley
1971Northern Transvaal, Transvaal (shared)14 - 14—N/aEllis Park, Johannesburg
1973Northern Transvaal30 - 22Orange Free StateLoftus Versfeld, Pretoria
1974Northern Transvaal17 - 15TransvaalLoftus Versfeld, Pretoria
1975Northern Transvaal12 - 6Orange Free StateFree State Stadium, Bloemfontein
1977Northern Transvaal27 - 12Orange Free StateLoftus Versfeld, Pretoria
1978Northern Transvaal13 - 9Orange Free StateFree State Stadium, Bloemfontein
1979Northern Transvaal, Western Province (shared)15 - 15—N/aNewlands, Cape Town
1980Northern Transvaal39 - 9Western ProvinceLoftus Versfeld, Pretoria
1981Northern Transvaal23 - 6Orange Free StateLoftus Versfeld, Pretoria
1982Western Province24 - 7Northern TransvaalNewlands, Cape Town
1983Western Province9 - 3Northern TransvaalNewlands, Cape Town
1985Western Province22 - 15Northern TransvaalNewlands, Cape Town
1987Northern Transvaal24 - 18TransvaalEllis Park, Johannesburg
1988Northern Transvaal19 - 18Western ProvinceLoftus Versfeld, Pretoria
1989Northern Transvaal, Western Province (shared)16 - 16—N/aNewlands, Cape Town
1990Sharks18 - 12Northern TransvaalLoftus Versfeld, Pretoria
1991Northern Transvaal27 - 15TransvaalLoftus Versfeld, Pretoria
1998Blue Bulls124 - 20Western ProvinceLoftus Versfeld, Pretoria
2002Blue Bulls31 - 7Golden Lions²Ellis Park, Johannesburg
2003Blue Bulls40 - 19SharksLoftus Versfeld, Pretoria
2004Blue Bulls42 - 33Free State Cheetahs³Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
2005Free State Cheetahs29 - 25Blue BullsLoftus Versfeld, Pretoria
2006Blue Bulls, Free State Cheetahs (shared)28 - 28—N/aVodacom Park, Bloemfontein
2008Sharks14 - 9Blue BullsKings Park Stadium, Durban
2009Blue Bulls36 - 24Free State CheetahsLoftus Versfeld, Pretoria
2016Free State Cheetahs36 - 16Blue BullsFree State Stadium, Bloemfontein
2020–21Blue Bulls26 - 19SharksLoftus Versfeld, Pretoria
2021Blue Bulls44 - 10SharksLoftus Versfeld, Pretoria

1 Northern Transvaal was renamed to the Blue Bulls. 2 Transvaal was renamed to the Golden Lions. 3 The Orange Free State have since been renamed to the Free State Cheetahs.

Minor Honours

Minor honours
CompetitionNumber of titlesRunner-up
Gauteng Rugby Cup(1)(0)
Sanlam Challenge Shield(1)(0)
Lafarge Zimbabwe Champions Cup(0)(1)
World Club 10s(2) 2017, 2018(0)
Officeconomix Goodwill Challenge(1)(0)
IBG Challenge Cup(1)(0)
Mapungubwe Rugby Cup(1)(0)

Season-by-season record

CompetitionSeasonPosPWDLPFPAPDBPPtsPlayoffsSeason ResultConference/ShieldTop points scorerPointsTop try scorerTries
Bulls season standings and results
EPCR Challenge Cup↓ 2024–25N/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/ALost quarter-final 28-34 vs EdinburghQuarter-finalistsN/ADavid Kriel15David Kriel3
European Rugby Champions Cup
2025–264th Pool 44103113181-6837Lost Round of 16 21-25 vs Glasgow WarriorsRound of 16N/AHandre Pollard35Stravino Jacobs3
2024–255th Pool 3410384113-2915Qualified to Challenge CupN/ACameron Hanekom15Cameron Hanekom3
2023–242nd Pool A4301132102+30315Lost quarter-final 22-59 vs Northampton SaintsQuarter-finalistsN/AJohan Goosen41David Kriel, Marcell Coetzee, Embrose Papier, Sebastian de Klerk3
2022–237th Pool A4202102139-37210Lost Round of 16 9-33 vs ToulouseRound of 16N/AChris Smith, Morné Steyn16Chris Smit, Wandisile Simelane, Bernard van der Linde, Stravino Jacobs2
United Rugby Championship
2025–26N/A00000000N/A
2024–252nd181404542361+1811268Lost final 7–32 to Leinster.Runners up🥈 (3)3rdDavid Kriel71David Kriel8
2023–242nd181305639433+2061466Lost final 16–21 to Glasgow.Runners up🥈 (2)Champions 🏆 1stJohan Goosen167Akker van der Merwe12
2022–236th181008613448+1651353Lost quarter-final 21–33 to StormersQuarter-finalistsRunners up (2)Chris Smith129Canan Moodie8
2021–224th181107518388+1301458Lost final 13–18 to Stormers.Runners up🥈 (1)Runners up (1)Chris Smith153Marcell Coetzee11
Pro14 Rainbow Cup20211st6501183117+66525Lost final 35–8 to Benetton.Runners up🥈N/AMorné Steyn53Madosh Tambwe4
Preparation Series20211st4301181115+66315No trophy or playoffsTop of pool AN/AChris Smith38Joe van Zyl4
Super Rugby Unlocked20201st650117892+86323No playoffsChampions🏆N/AMorné Steyn62Stedman Gans5
Super Rugby
202012th6105115152-3716Season cancelled due to COVID-194thMorné Steyn40Rosko Specman4
20195th16826410369+41341Lost quarterfinals 35–28 to the Hurricanes.Quarter-finalistsRunners up (4)Handré Pollard194Cornal Hendricks, Rosko Specman, Hanro Liebenberg5
201812th166010441502-612295thHandré Pollard144Jesse Kriel8
201715th154011339459-1204203rdTian Schoeman80Jesse Kriel5
20169th15915399339+60442Runners up (3)Francois Brummer109Adriaan Strauss, Travis Ismaiel6
20159th16709397388+910383rdHandré Pollard167Francois Hougaard7
20149th16718365335+30838Runners up (2)Jacques-Louis Potgieter144Jono Ross4
20132nd161204448330+118763Lost semi-final 23–26 to the Brumbies.Semi-FinalistsChampions 🏆 1stMorné Steyn248Jano Vermaak5
20125th161006472369+1031159Lost qualifiers 28–13 to the Crusaders.Qualifying-finalistsRunners up (1)Morné Steyn228Bjorn Basson10
20117th161006416370+466543rdMorné Steyn216Bjorn Basson9
Super 1420101st131003436345+91747Defeated the Stormers 25–17Champions 🏆 3rdN/AMorné Steyn263Gerhard van den Heever8
20091st131003338271+67646Defeated the Chiefs 61–17Champions 🏆 2ndN/AMorné Steyn191Bryan Habana8
200810th13607324347−23428N/AMorné Steyn82Akona Ndungane7
20071st13904388223+165642Defeated the Sharks 19–20Champions🏆 1stN/ADerick Hougaard161Bryan Habana8
20064th13715355290+65838Lost semi-final 35–15 to Crusaders.Semi-FinalistsN/ADerick Hougaard93Bryan Habana7
Super 12
20053rd11704301229+72634Lost semi-final 23–13 to Waratahs.Semi-FinalistsN/AMorne Steyn110Bryan Habana9
20046th11515302320−18628N/ADerick Hougaard101Fourie du Preez5
20036th11605320354−34530N/ALouis Koen139Frikkie Welsh5
200212th110011232500−26811N/ABoeta Wessels29Adrian Jacobs, Wylie Human5
200112th11209241378−137311N/ACasper Steyn97Frikkie Welsh, Friedrich Lombard, Adrian Jacobs4
200011th11128231395−164311N/AJannie de Beer123Deon de Kock3
199912th111010203447−24437N/AFranco Smith59Jan-Harm van Wyk, Schutte Bekker, Pierre Ribbens2
199811th11308249306−57416N/AFranco Smith65Casper Steyn5
19978th11335264342−78422N/ACasper Steyn50Jacques Olivier4
19964th11803329208+121638Lost semi-final 48–11 to Auckland Blues.Semi-FinalistsN/AJannie Kruger139Adriaan Richter4
Super 10 (amateur era)1995Did not qualifyN/A
1994Did not qualifyN/A
19933rd4202109109008N/A

Gold background denotes champions Silver background denotes runner-up Bronze background denotes semi-finalists Cyan background denotes quarter-finalists Purple background denotes Round of 16

↑ After entering the Champions Cup/Heineken Cup competition from the EPCR Challenge Cup

↓ After dropping into the EPCR Challenge Cup competition from the Champions Cup/Heineken Cup

Key:Super 10Super 12Super 14Super RugbySuper Rugby UnlockedPreparation SeriesPro 14 Rainbow CupUnited Rugby ChampionshipEuropean Rugby Champions CupEPCR Challenge Cup

Currie Cup Season-by-Season Standings

Blue Bulls season by season standings in the Currie Cup Premier Division 1996-2025 (professional era)
SeasonLogPosPWDLPFPAPDTFTATBLBPtsNotesTop points scorerPtsTop try scorerTries
20256th7304200209−929293015Did not qualify for Play-offs.Boeta Chamberlain45Jeandre Rudolph4
20242nd10712384266+11854377138Semi-final was drawn 40 all after extra time. The Sharks advanced due to scoring more tries in the match 6–4.Semi-FinalistsJaco van der Walt81Mpilo Gumede7
20234th14707399415-1657538238Lost semi-final 10–39 to CheetahsSemi-FinalistsJohan Goosen49David Kriel7
20222nd12912398306+9256429047Lost semi-final 19–30 to GriquasSemi-FinalistsChris Smith54David Kriel5
20211st12732334260+7446308149Beat the Sharks 44–10 in the FinalChampions 🏆 25thJohan Goosen99Zak Burger, Cornal Hendricks5
2020–211st12813305216+8932223239Beat the Sharks 26–19 in the Final. Each team started with the log points from the Super Rugby Unlocked competition.Champions 🏆 24thMorné Steyn62Marco van Staden3
20196th6204143191−4820252010Did not qualify for Play-offs.Manie Libbok46Rosko Specman5
20184th6303170179−924254117Lost semi-final 32–35 to Western ProvinceSemi-FinalistsManie Libbok68Ruan Steenkamp5
20174th12507457442+1563629332Lost semi-final 27–37 to SharksSemi-FinalistsTony Jantjies70Warrick Gelant10
20167th14707459376+83654582382016 Currie Cup qualification roundJoshua Stander77Marquit September8
2nd8602310207+10340265130Lost final 16–36 to Free State CheetahsRunner-upTian Schoeman146Jamba Ulengo7
20152nd10802342238+10441267039Lost semi-final 18–23 to Western ProvinceSemi-FinalistsTian Schoeman135Jamba Ulengo11
20144th10604271235+3627233128Lost semi-final 23–31 to Western ProvinceSemi-FinalistsJacques-Louis Potgieter125Bjorn Basson, Sampie Mastriet, Deon Stegmann4
20135th10316225253–2824282117Did not qualify for Play-offs.Handré Pollard62Francois Venter4
20124th10505280291−1119291123Lost semi-final 3–20 to SharksSemi-FinalistsLouis Fouché137CJ Stander5
20115th14815452368+8454405140Did not qualify for Play-offs.Louis Fouché126Bjorn Basson10
20104th14905437374+6347396547Lost semi-final 12–16 to SharksSemi-FinalistsJacques-Louis Potgieter171Stefan Watermeyer6
20093rd14905475299+17656286446Beat Cheetahs 36–24 in the FinalChampions 🏆 23rdMorné Steyn105Gerhard van den Heever11
20082nd141103482235+24761278153Lost final 9–14 to SharksRunner-upMorné Steyn192John Mametsa7
20074th14806424282+14254336139Lost semi-final 6–11 to Free State CheetahsSemi-FinalistsDerick Hougaard114John Mametsa14
20062nd141004479284+19563328250Drew 28–28 with Free State CheetahsChampions 🏆 22ndMorné Steyn138Derick Kuun, Marius Delport, Dries Scholtz7
2005Sect X3rd6402261141+120381841212005 Currie Cup qualifying roundKennedy Tsimba43John Mametsa6
Sect X1st8800347115+23246125037Lost final 25–29 to Free State CheetahsRunner-upMorné Steyn118Akona Ndungane, Pedrie Wannenburg6
20041st141121545315+23069387156Beat Free State Cheetahs 42–33 in the FinalChampions 🏆 21stDerick Hougaard188Ettienne Botha18
20031st141103538372+16673449255Beat the Sharks 40–19 in the FinalChampions 🏆 20thLouis Strydom133Johan Roets9
2002Sect Y2nd6411185125+60211431222002 Currie Cup qualifying round (Points of 3 matches vs the Currie Cup teams retained for Premier Div log)
Premier Div4th7511225136+8921132125Beat the Lions 31–7 in the FinalChampions 🏆 19thDerick Hougaard151Jaco van der Westhuyzen5
2001Sect Y3rd6402231148+83301331202001 Currie Cup qualification
Top 87th7205191187+411142212Did not qualify for Play-offs.Jaco van der Westhuyzen81Jaco van der Westhuyzen5
2000Sect Y6th6303232228+4222531162000 Currie Cup qualification Did not qualify for Currie Cup Premier Div. (6 points carried forward to the Bankfin Cup.)Casper Steyn149Casper Steyn6
Bankfin Cup2nd5302205178+2725204218Beat the Mighty Elephants 41–20 in the Bankfin Cup FinalChampions 🏆 1stFranco Smith77McNeil Hendricks7
19995th13814483346+137--5241Did not qualify for Play-offs.Casper Steyn252Casper Steyn12
19982nd131003461231+23065287249Beat Western Province 24–20 in the FinalChampions 🏆 18thFranco Smith112Grant Esterhuizen8
19975th13805382341+4139336240Did not qualify for Play-offs.Casper Steyn106Archer Dames5
1996Sect B1st121101707207+5009323--22Lost semi-final 21–31 to TransvaalSemi-FinalistsTheo van Rensburg111Hannes Venter13

Bulls XV

Blue Bulls XV results for each season were as follows:

Seasons
CompetitionSeasonSectionPosPlWDLPFPAPDPtsPlay-offsTop points scorerPointsTop try scorerTries
SA Rugby Under-23 Cup
20260000000000000
SuperSport Rugby Challenge
2019Northern Section3rd7502332190+14225Did not qualify for Play-offs.JT Jackson52Duncan Matthews6
2018Northern Section3rd8503317255+6227Quarter-FinalistsEarll Douwrie79Xolisa Guma6
2017Northern Section2nd8503376240+13629Semi-FinalistsTinus de Beer44Boom Prinsloo, Franco Naudé6
20161No competition
Vodacom Cup
2015Northern Section2nd7601282114+16829Semi-FinalistsKobus Marais85Kefentse Mahlo6
2014Northern Section3rd7502315111+20426Semi-FinalistsTian Schoeman60Sampie Mastriet7
2013Northern Section2nd7502435159+27628Quarter-FinalistsTony Jantjies79Sampie Mastriet9
2012Northern Section3rd6411212116+9621Semi-FinalistsWesley Dunlop44Sampie Mastriet5
2011Northern Section4th8305197175+2217Runners-up 🥈Marnitz Boshoff87Sampie Mastriet5
2010Northern Section1st7700251136+6332Champions 3rd 🏆Francois Brummer90Stefan Watermeyer, Gerrit-Jan van Velze5
2009Northern Section1st6510180117+6324Runners-up 🥈Francois Brummer158Rocco Jansen5
2008Northern Section1st7502279161+11828Champions 2nd 🏆Burton Francis115Rocco Jansen14
2007Northern Section2nd6501184104+8023Runners-up 🥈Jacques-Louis Potgieter112Dries Scholtz, Lukhanyo Nontshinga4
2006Vodacom Cup3rd13904383278+10545Did not qualify for Play-offs.Jacques-Louis Potgieter87Marius Delport8
2005Section X1st7502255184+7128Semi-FinalistsJacques-Louis Potgieter69Derick Kuun4
2004Vodacom Cup3rd6402231186+4522Runners-up 🥈Gideon Gerhardus Roux44Carel Hoffman5
2003Section Y1st6501236133+10326Runners-up 🥈Gideon Gerhardus Roux107JP Nel6
2002Section Y1st6501260157+10326Runners-up 🥈
Top Eight3rd7403242240+221
2001Section Y1st6501242140+10227Champions 1st 🏆
Top Eight1st4400150117+3334
2000Northern Section3rd7502265187+7823Quarter-Finalists
1999Northern Section5th14707416468–5236Did not qualify for Play-offs.
1998Sect B5th12408303389–8618Did not qualify for Play-offs.
Bankfin Nite Series1997Did not Participate
1996Did not Participate

Bankfin Nite Series seasons 1996 - 1997

Vodacom Cup seasons 1998 - 2015

SuperSport Rugby Challenge 2017 - 2019

External links