Bulls ignore 'outside noise' to keep Bok and 'generational' back-row talent

The Bulls have secured the futures of back-row enforcers and Springbok star Marco van Staden, along with Mpilo Gumede, for the next two and five years, respectively.

Blindside flanker Van Staden, who can play anywhere across the back row, has committed to the club until June 2028, while openside flanker and No.8 Gumede has signed a five-year deal that keeps him at Loftus Versfeld until June 2029.

Back-to-back World Cup winner Van Staden, 30, who recently notched his 100th cap for the Bulls, provides the veteran breakdown expertise and physicality that have defined the Pretoria pack since he first joined in 2017.

Former Junior Springbok Gumede, 25, who has played 30 games since signing from the Sharks in 2023, is seen as one of the most versatile back-row talents in the country and, like Van Staden, has played a key role in the Bulls’ revival under Johan Ackermann.

The Bulls have seen David Kriel leave for Top 14 outfit La Rochelle next season, while Springbok tighthead Wilco Louw is joining the Stormers, and another Springbok lock, Ruan Nortje, is also heading for the exit.

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United Rugby Championship

Dragons RFC

11:45

17 Apr 26

Bulls

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Bulls CEO Edgar Rathbone is delighted that the club, who travel to Wales to face the Dragons on Friday looking to keep their United Rugby Championship play-off hopes on track, have tied both players down to new deals.

“There has been some outside noise suggesting we are a selling club, but the reality inside Loftus is very different. Retaining a world-class veteran like Marco and a generational talent like Mpilo is a clear signal of our stability and our ambition.

“We aren’t just building for next week; we are securing the spine of this team for the next two to three years. These men believe in the vision Johan Ackermann is implementing, and we are proud that they see Loftus as the best place to achieve their Springbok and club ambitions,” said Rathbone.