The Bulls have secured two of their most important back-row assets, with Marco van Staden and Mpilo Gumede both committing their futures to Loftus Versfeld.

Van Staden, a Springbok regular, has signed a two-year extension, while Gumede — widely regarded as one of the most exciting young loose forwards in South African rugby — has put pen to paper on a five-year deal.

The signings come despite reported outside interest in both players, with the Bulls indicating they were not distracted by external pressure during negotiations.