Nortje to leave Bulls for Japan after decade of one-club loyalty
Ruan Nortje will depart the Bulls at the end of the current season, joining an as-yet-unnamed Japanese club after spending his entire professional career at Loftus Versfeld.
The announcement, made while the Bulls are in France ahead of their URC fixture against the Dragons, follows news of David Kriel's move to La Rochelle and represents a significant double departure from the Pretoria franchise.
Nortje made his senior debut for the Bulls in 2018 and goes out with 146 caps — and counting — for the union, having captained the side on 37 occasions, placing him tenth on the all-time Bulls captaincy list. His 18 Springbok caps came after consistent URC performances established him among the country's leading locks.
"For me, it was a little boy's dream come true to represent the Vodacom Bulls," Nortje said. "I'd have been happy with one appearance and never imagined in my wildest dreams I'd get to almost 150 matches. It's a very emotional decision, but it's all about my wife and my family. They are my No 1 priority."
Head coach Johan Ackermann confirmed he was kept across the decision from early in his tenure. "He has given almost 10 years of his career to the Vodacom Bulls and been the heart and soul of the team. He's paid his dues and is established as one of the icons in the Vodacom Bulls jersey by how he plays and conducts himself," Ackermann said, adding that Nortje's influence on the next generation of Bulls locks had been substantial.
CEO Edgar Rathbone echoed that sentiment. "Ruan represents everything the Vodacom Bulls stand for: commitment, humility, leadership, and pride in the jersey. He will always be a Vodacom Bulls player."
Nortje cited a packed Loftus as the experience that best defined his career. "All the people crammed in — there's no experience like it."
The Bulls have not confirmed a replacement signing.