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Bulls (rugby union)

{{Short description|South African rugby union team}}

{{Other uses|Bulls (disambiguation)}}

{{distinguish|Blue Bulls}}

{{more citations needed|date=June 2024}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2020}}

{{Use South African English|date=December 2012}}

{{Infobox rugby team

| teamname = Bulls

| image = Bulls rugby logo.jpg

| imagesize = 200px

| union = South African Rugby Union

| location = Pretoria, South Africa

| countryflag = South Africa

| emblem = Barberton Daisy, Bull

| founded = 1938 (Northern Transvaal Rugby Union)
1997 (Bulls franchise)

| region = Gauteng

| ground = Loftus Versfeld Stadium

| capacity = 51,762

| rugby director = Jake White

| coach = Jake White

| captain = Marcell Coetzee
Ruan Nortjé

| appearances = Naas Botha (179)

| top scorer = Morné Steyn (1967)

| most tries = Bryan Habana (37)

| league = United Rugby Championship

| season = 2023–24

| position = Runners-up
South African Shield: 1st
(2nd overall)

| url = https://bullsrugby.co.za/

| pattern_la1 = _navyborder

| pattern_b1 = _vnecknavy

| pattern_ra1 = _navyborder

| pattern_sh1 =

| pattern_so1 = _navystripe

| leftarm1 = 75C2EE

| body1 = 75C2EE

| rightarm1 = 75C2EE

| shorts1 = 0A3A79

| socks1 = 75C2EE

| pattern_la2 = _navyborder

| pattern_b2 = _vneckwhite

| pattern_ra2 = _navyborder

| pattern_so2 = _navystripe

| pattern_sh2 =

| leftarm2 = E6F7FF

| body2 = E6F7FF

| rightarm2 = E6F7FF

| shorts2 = ffffff

| socks2 = ffffff

| currentseason = 2024–25 Bulls season

}}

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 United Rugby Championship, having competed in the Super Rugby competition until 2020. Prior to 1998, the Bulls competed in the then-Super 12 as Northern Transvaal, as in those years South Africa was represented in the competition by its top four Currie Cup sides from the previous season, instead of the modern Super Rugby teams.

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 most successful South African team, and the only South African team to win a Super Rugby title.

The Currie Cup team has been seen playing as the Bulls and not the Blue Bulls since the 2020-21 season. This is a move to rebrand all the teams under one name and not only the Bulls rebranded their Currie Cup name but the Sharks and Lions also modified their names. [https://rugby365.com/tournaments/currie-cup/video-traumatized-not-to-see-western-province-on-tv-anymore-or-the-logical-step-for-wp/]

History

= Early 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) =

File:Super 14 LineOut Bulls.JPG 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.{{Cite web| publisher=Reuters|title=Rugby-Bulls blitz Reds 92–3 to earn home semi-final |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/rugbyNews/idUKL0562960320070505 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090615014824/http://uk.reuters.com/article/rugbyNews/idUKL0562960320070505 |url-status=dead |archive-date=15 June 2009 |date=2007-05-05 |access-date=2007-05-06}} 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.{{cite web | url=https://www.news24.com/sport/rugby/superrugby/jake-on-sleeping-giant-bulls-title-win-the-liverpool-of-rugby-has-awakened-20201121 | title=Jake White on 'sleeping giant' Bulls' title win: The Liverpool of rugby has awakened | publisher=News24 | access-date=10 October 2021}}

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.{{cite web | url=https://supersport.com/rugby/news/201123_White_wanted_Bulls_to_remain_only_SA_Super_Rugby_winners | title=White wanted Bulls to remain only SA Super Rugby winners | publisher=SA Rugby | access-date=10 October 2021}}

= 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.{{cite web | url=https://www.skysports.com/rugby-union/news/15180/12336680/benetton-35-8-bulls-benetton-stun-bulls-to-win-rainbow-cup | title=Benetton 35-8 Bulls: Benetton stun Bulls to win Rainbow Cup | publisher=skysports | access-date=10 October 2021}}

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.{{cite news | url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/58802228 | title=United Rugby Championship: Cardiff 19-29 Bulls | work=BBC Sport | access-date=10 October 2021}}

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

Location

File:Blue Bulls Mascot Bulletjie 005.jpg

The team is centred around the Blue Bulls Rugby Union, whose catchment covers Pretoria as well as Limpopo, 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.{{Cite web| publisher=SouthAfrica.info| title=Sports stadiums in South Africa| url=http://www.southafrica.info| access-date=2007-05-06| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130103142958/http://www.southafrica.info/| archive-date=3 January 2013| url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|publisher=Vodacom Blue Bulls|title=Loftus Versfeld – History|url=http://www.bluebull.co.za/default.asp?cId=6119&des=content|access-date=2007-05-06|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071004213515/http://www.bluebull.co.za/default.asp?cId=6119&des=content|archive-date=4 October 2007}} 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.{{cite web |last1=Mudeliar |first1=Thumeshni |title=Marketing through sport |url=https://journals.co.za/doi/pdf/10.10520/EJC75239 |publisher=Journal of Marketing |access-date=28 May 2024 |date=2007}} On the team's website and all team-issued press releases, the Bulls are referred to as the Vodacom Bulls.

Current squad

{{For|player movements before or during the 2024–25 season|List of 2024–25 United Rugby Championship transfers#Bulls}}

The Bulls squad for the 2024–25 United Rugby Championship is.

class="wikitable" style="font-size:90%;width:70%"

! colspan="100%" | Bulls United Rugby Championship squad

valign="top"

|

Props

Hookers

Locks

|

Loose forwards

Scrum-halves

Fly-halves

|

Centres

Outside backs

colspan="100%" style="height:10px"|
colspan="100%" style="text-align:center"| (cx) Denotes team co-captains, Bold denotes internationally capped, ST denotes a short-term signing. {{Notelist|group="Squad"}}

Coaches

Captains

Former players

{{for|a list of former and current players who have represented the Bulls in Super Rugby, United Rugby Championship and European competitions|List of Bulls (rugby union) players}}

Statistics

= Results by opponent in European competitions =

The results for the Bulls vs different opponents in European competitions

class="wikitable collapsible sortable" style="text-align:center;line-height:90%;font-size:90%;width:100%"

! colspan=14 | URC, Rainbow Cup, European Rugby Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup

style="width:12%;" | Opposition

! style="width:7%;" | Span

! style="width:5%;" | Played

! style="width:5%;" | Won

! style="width:5%;" | Drawn

! style="width:5%;" | Lost

! style="width:7%;" | Win%

! style="width:5%;" | Points for

! style="width:5%;" | {{tooltip|PPM|Points per match}}

! style="width:5%;" | {{tooltip|Aga|Points against}}

! style="width:20%;" | Best score

! style="width:20%;" | Worst score

! style="width:5%;" | 40–49 points

! style="width:5%;" | 50+ points

align=left| {{Rut|Lions|fb=y}}2021–2025970277.78%25628.4417035–22 (2024–25)34–33 (2021)00
align=left| {{Rut|Stormers|fb=y}}2021–20251130827.27%25022.7327040–22 (2023–24)37–27 (2022–23)10
align=left| {{Rut|Sharks|fb=y}}2021–20251060460.00%29429.4024444–10 (2023–24)47–20 (2022–23)30
align=left| {{Rut|Benetton|fb=y}}2021–2024650183.33%20133.5015956–35 (2023–24)35–8 (2021) Final21
align=left| {{Rut|Leinster|fb=y}}2021–2025640266.67%15225.3315162–7 (2022–23)47–14 (2023–24)01
align=left| {{Rut|Connacht|fb=y}}2021–2024430175.00%11629.008953–27 (2023–24)34–7 (2021–22)01
align=left| {{Rut|Cardiff|fb=y}}2021–20233300100.00%9230.674045–9 (2022–23)19–29 (2021–22)10
align=left| {{Rut|Edinburgh|fb=y}}2021–2025520340.00%11623.2012933–21 (2022–23)34–28 (2024–25)00
align=left| {{Rut|Zebre Parma|fb=y}}2022–20254400100.00%24060.007278–12 (2022–23)29–54 (2023–24)13
align=left| {{Rut|Munster|fb=y}}2022–2024420250.00%8421.009529–24 (2021–22)31–17 (2021–22)00
align=left| {{Rut|Scarlets|fb=y}}2022–2024420250.00%17042.509363–21 (2023–24)37–28 (2022–23)02
align=left| {{Rut|Dragons|fb=y}}2022–20243300100.00%11538.334455–20 (2021–22)20–55 (2021–22)01
align=left| {{Rut|Ulster|fb=y}}2022–2024420250.00%12330.759547–21 (2024–25)32–23 (2022–23)10
align=left| {{Rut|Glasgow Warriors|fb=y}}2022–2024530260.00%13226.4012626–19 (2023–24)35–21 (2021–22)10
align=left| {{Rut|Ospreys|fb=y}}2022–20244400100.00%17142.7510061–24 (2023–24)31–38 (2021–22)11
align=left| {{Rut|Lyon|fb=y}}2022–2024420250.00%13634.0011559–19 (2023–24)36–42 (2022–23)11
align=left| {{Rut|Exeter Chiefs|fb=y}}2022–2023210150.00%5326.507239–28 (2022–23)44–14 (2022–23)00
align=left| {{Rut|Toulouse|fb=y}}2023–202310010.00%99.00339–33 (2022–23)33–9 (2022–23)00
align=left| {{Rut|Saracens|fb=y}}2023–2024210150.00%3216.004327–16 (2023–24)27–5 (2024–25)00
align=left| {{Rut|Bristol Bears|fb=y}}2024–20241100100.00%3131.001731–17 (2023–24)17–31 (2023–24)00
align=left| {{Rut|Bordeaux|fb=y}}2024–20241100100.00%4646.004046–40 (2023–24)40–46 (2023–24)10
align=left| {{Rut|Northampton Saints|fb=y}}2024–202420020.00%4321.508922–59 (2023–24)59–22 (2023–24)00
align=left| {{Rut|Castres|fb=y}}2025–202510010.00%1010.004910–49 (2024–25)49–10 (2024–25)00
align=left| {{Rut|Stade Français|fb=y}}2025–20251100100.00%4848.00748–7 (2024–25)7–48 (2024–25)10
align=left| {{Rut|Bayonne|fb=y}}2025–20251100100.00%3232.002232–22 (2024–25)22–32 (2024–25)00
class="sortbottom"

! Overall

2021–2025986103762.24295230.12236478–12 vs Zebre (2022–23)59–22 vs Northampton Saints (2023–24)1411

= Overall results by opponent in all competitions =

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

class="wikitable collapsible sortable" style="text-align:center;line-height:90%;font-size:90%;width:100%"

!colspan=14| Super Rugby, Super Rugby Unlocked, Preparation Series, Pro14 Rainbow Cup, United Rugby Championship, European Rugby Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, Toyota Challenge

style="width:12%;"| Opposition

!style="width:7%;" | Span

!style="width:5%;" | Played

!style="width:5%;" | Won

!style="width:5%;" | Drawn

!style="width:5%;" | Lost

!style="width:7%;" | Win%

!style="width:5%;" | Points for

!style="width:5%;" | {{tooltip|PPM|Points per match}}

!style="width:5%;" | {{tooltip|Aga|Points against}}

!style="width:17%;"| Best score

!style="width:17%;"| Worst score

!style="width:5%;" | 40–49 points

!style="width:5%;" | 50+ points

align=left| {{Rut|Sharks|fb=y}}1996–2025462731658.70%108123.50100844–10 (2023–24) URC47–20 (2022–23) URC60
align=left| {{Rut|Waratahs|fb=y}}1996–2019221201054.55%50623.0060948–38 (2010) Super Rugby53–7 (2001) Super Rugby10
align=left| {{Rut|Highlanders|fb=y}}1996–202023721430.43%56824.7064459–29 (1996) Super Rugby65–23 (1999) Super Rugby22
align=left| {{Rut|Reds|fb=y}}1996–2020231001343.48%61426.7052192–3 (2007) Super Rugby48–12 (2002) Super Rugby22
align=left| {{Rut|Crusaders|fb=y}}1996–2019271001737.04%62623.1990940–35 (2010) Super Rugby75–27 (2000) Super Rugby10
align=left| {{Rut|Blues|fb=y}}1996–202023721430.43%58825.5775959–26 (2009) Super Rugby65–24 (2002) Super Rugby21
align=left| {{Rut|Chiefs|fb=y}}1996–201923821334.78%63627.6574561–17 (2009) Super Rugby Final53–24 (2002) Super Rugby11
align=left| {{Rut|Lions|fb=y}}1996–2025392511364.10%112328.7998862–52 (2004) Super Rugby57–24 (1999) Super Rugby22
align=left| {{Rut|Hurricanes|fb=y}}1996–2019221001245.45%56725.7760248–14 (2013) Super Rugby64–32 (1997) Super Rugby40
align=left| {{Rut|Brumbies|fb=y}}1996–201923801534.78%56824.7067250–32 (2010) Super Rugby73–9 (1999) Super Rugby11
align=left| {{Rut|Stormers|fb=y}}1996–2025471812838.30%108623.11104875–14 (2005) Super Rugby42–19 (1999) Super Rugby41
align=left| {{Rut|Cheetahs|fb=y}}1997–202222160672.73%66930.4149660–20 (2008) Super Rugby42–29 (2015) Super Rugby23
align=left| {{Rut|Force|fb=y}}2006–20161060460.00%26426.4022142–20 (2016) Super Rugby30–27 (2007) Super Rugby10
align=left| {{Rut|Rebels|fb=y}}2011–2019760185.71%25336.1412547–10 (2011) Super Rugby35–41 (2012) Super Rugby40
align=left| {{Rut|Southern Kings|fb=y}}2013–2017430175.00%15037.505548–18 (2013) Super Rugby31–30 (2017) Super Rugby10
align=left| {{Rut|Sunwolves|fb=y}}2016–2018530260.00%17134.2011450–3 (2016) Super Rugby42–37 (2018) Super Rugby01
align=left| {{Rut|Jaguares|fb=y}}2016–2020720528.57%16022.8621843–34 (2018) Super Rugby54–25 (2018) Super Rugby10
align=left| {{Rut|Griquas|fb=y}}2020–20201100100.00%3030.002330–23 (2020) Super Rugby Unlocked23–30 (2020) Super Rugby Unlocked00
align=left| {{Rut|Pumas|fb=y}}2020–20212200100.00%6934.503648–31 (2020) Preparation Series31–48 (2020) Preparation Series10
align=left| {{Rut|Eastern Province Elephants|fb=y}}2021–20211100100.00%8787.001087–10 (2021) Preparation Series10–87 (2021) Preparation Series01
align=left| {{Rut|Benetton|fb=y}}2021–2024650183.33%20133.5015956–35 (2023–24) URC35–8 (2021) Rainbow Cup Final21
align=left| {{Rut|Leinster|fb=y}}2021–2025640266.67%15225.3315162–7 (2022–23) URC47–14 (2023–24) URC01
align=left| {{Rut|Connacht|fb=y}}2021–2024430175.99%11629.008953–27 (2023–24) URC34–7 (2021–22) URC01
align=left| {{Rut|Cardiff|fb=y}}2021–20233300100.00%9230.674045–9 (2022–23) URC19–29 (2021–22) URC10
align=left| {{Rut|Edinburgh|fb=y}}2021–2025520340.00%11623.2012933–31 (2022–23) URC34–28 (2024–25) URC00
align=left| {{Rut|Zebre Parma|fb=y}}2022–20254400100.00%24060.007278–12 (2022–23) URC29–54 (2023–24) URC13
align=left| {{Rut|Munster|fb=y}}2022–2024420250.00%8421.009529–24 (2021–22) URC31–17 (2022–23) URC00
align=left| {{Rut|Scarlets|fb=y}}2022–2024420250.67%17042.509363–21 (2023–24) URC37–28 (2022–23) URC02
align=left| {{Rut|Dragons|fb=y}}2022–20243300100.00%11538.334455–20 (2021–22) URC20–55 (2021–22) URC01
align=left| {{Rut|Ulster|fb=y}}2022–2024420250.00%12330.759547–21 (2024–25) URC32–23 (2022–23) URC10
align=left| {{Rut|Glasgow Warriors|fb=y}}2022–2024530260.00%13226.4012640–34 (2024–25) URC35–21 (2022–23) URC10
align=left| {{Rut|Ospreys|fb=y}}2022–20244400100.00%17142.7510061–24 (2023–24) URC31–38 (2021–22) URC11
align=left| {{Rut|Lyon|fb=y}}2022–2024420250.00%13634.0011559–19 (2023–24) Heineken Cup36–42 (2022–23) Heineken Cup11
align=left| {{Rut|Exeter Chiefs|fb=y}}2022–2023210150.00%5326.507239–28 (2022–23) Heineken Cup44–14 (2022–23) Heineken Cup00
align=left| {{Rut|Toulouse|fb=y}}2023–202310010.00%99.00339–33 (2022–23) Heineken Cup33–9 (2022–23) Heineken Cup00
align=left| {{Rut|Saracens|fb=y}}2023–2024210150.00%3216.004327–16 (2023–24) Heineken Cup27–5 (2024–25) Heineken Cup00
align=left| {{Rut|Bristol Bears|fb=y}}2024–20241100100.00%3131.001731–17 (2023–24) Heineken Cup17–31 (2022–23) Heineken Cup00
align=left| {{Rut|Bordeaux|fb=y}}2024–20241100100.00%4646.004046–40 (2023–24) Heineken Cup40–46 (2022–23) Heineken Cup10
align=left| {{Rut|Northampton Saints|fb=y}}2024–202420020.00%4321.508922–59 (2023–24) Heineken Cup59–22 (2022–23) Heineken Cup00
align=left| {{Rut|Castres|fb=y}}2025–202510010.00%1010.004910–49 (2024–25)49–10 (2024–25)00
align=left| {{Rut|Stade Français|fb=y}}2025–20251100100.00%4848.00748–7 (2024–25)7–48 (2024–25)10
align=left| {{Rut|Bayonne|fb=y}}2025–20251100100.00%3232.002232–22 (2024–25)22–32 (2024–25)00
class="sortbottom"

! Super Rugby

1996–20203351581116647.16%862625.75887592–3 vs Reds (2007)75–27 vs Crusaders (2000)3014
class="sortbottom"

! Super Rugby Unlocked

2020–2020650183.33%17829.679241–14 vs Sharks (2021)25–30 vs Lions (2021)10
class="sortbottom"

! Preparation Series

2021–2021430175.00%18145.2511587–10 vs Eastern Province Elephants (2021)45–12 vs Sharks (2021)11
class="sortbottom"

! United Rugby Championship

2021–2025754802764.00%231030.80171178–12 vs Zebre (2022–23)47–14 vs Leinster (2023–24)1010
class="sortbottom"

! Pro14 Rainbow Cup

2021–2021750271.43%19127.2915243–9 vs Sharks (2021)35–8 vs Benetton (2021)10
class="sortbottom"

! European Rugby Champions Cup

2022–20251570846.67%40827.2046559–19 vs Lyon (2023–24)59–22 vs Northampton Saints (2023–24)31
class="sortbottom"

! EPCR Challenge Cup

2025–2025210150.00%6030.005632–22 vs Bayonne (2024–25)34–28 vs Edinburgh (2024–25)00
class="sortbottom"

! Toyota Challenge

2022–202210010.00%1414.001714–17 vs Cheetahs (2022)17–14 vs Cheetahs (2022)00
class="sortbottom"

! Overall

1996–20254452271120751.01%1196826.891148392–3 vs Reds (2007)75–27 vs Crusaders (2000)4626

  • All these stats include playoff matches (qualifiers, semi-finals and finals)
  • All Super Rugby fixtures vs different opponents as Northern Transvaal [http://www.lassen.co.nz/s14mat.php 1996–1997] as Bulls [http://www.lassen.co.nz/s14mat.php 1998–2020] included
  • All 2020 Super Rugby Unlocked fixtures included
  • All 2021 Preparation Series fixtures included
  • 2021 Pro14 Rainbow Cup included
  • 2022 Toyota Challenge included
  • United Rugby Championship fixtures added 2021–22 – 2024–25 (round 9 Lions)
  • European Rugby Champions Cup included 2022–23 – 2024–25
  • Correct as of 13 April 2025

Other notable results:

class="wikitable"

!Date

!Opponent

!Location

!Result

!Bulls score

!Opponent score

!Notes

1 February 2001

| Fiji Developmental side

| Fiji

| Lost

| 27

| 35

| [https://www.espn.co.uk/rugby/story/_/id/15349149/bulls-lose-fiji-tour-opener Report]

3 February 2001

| Fiji

| Fiji

| Won

| 33

| 19

| [https://www.espn.co.uk/rugby/story/_/id/15349193/fiji-set-entry-super-12 Report]

7 February 2001

| Fiji Warriors

| Fiji

| Won

| 19

| 14

| [https://africa.espn.com/rugby/story/_/id/15349268/bulls-finish-tour-high Report]

31 January 2015

| {{Rut|Saracens|fb=y}}

| Allianz Park, London

| Won

| 39

| 26

| [https://www.superxv.com/bulls-thump-saracens-in-super-rugby-warm-up/ Report]

17 July 2021

| South Africa A

| Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town

| Won

| 17

| 14

| [https://www.rugbypass.com/news/springboks-shock-south-africa-a-beaten-by-bulls-in-final-warm-up-lions/ Report]

Bulls records

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

==Individual Records==

class="wikitable" width="100%"
style="background:#BCD4E6

!Individual Records

!United Rugby Championship

!Heineken Cup

!EPCR Challenge Cup

!Super Rugby

Most points

|388 by Chris Smith

58 by Johan Goosen15 by David Kriel1487 by Morné Steyn
Most tries

|24 by Kurt-Lee Arendse

4 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 conversions

|92 by Chris Smith

18 by Johan Goosen3 by Johan Goosen, Keagan Johannes245 by Morné Steyn
Most penalty kicks

|57 by Chris Smith

8 by Chris Smith1 by Johan Goosen, Keagan Johannes283 by Morné Steyn
Most drop goals

| 1 by Chris Smith

record not setrecord not set26 by Morné Steyn

==Match Records==

class="wikitable" width="100%"
style="background:#BCD4E6

!Match Records

!United Rugby Championship

!Heineken Cup

!EPCR Challenge Cup

!Super Rugby

Biggest victory.

|78–12 (v. {{Rut|Zebre}}, 2023)

59-19 (v. {{Rut|Lyon}}, 2024)32-22 (v. {{Rut|Bayonne}}, 2025)92–3 (v. Queensland Reds, 2007)
Largest points for

|78 (v. {{Rut|Zebre}}, 2023)

59 (v. {{Rut|Lyon}}, 2024)32 (v. {{Rut|Bayonne}}, 2025)92 (v. Queensland Reds, 2007)
Biggest defeat

|14–47 (v. {{Rut|Leinster}}, 2024)

22-59 (v. {{Rut|Northampton Saints}}, 2024)34-28 (v. {{Rut|Edinburgh}}, 2025)9–73 (v ACT Brumbies, 1999)
Most points conceded

|47 (v. {{Rut|Sharks}}, 2022), (v. {{Rut|Leinster}}, 2024)

59 (v. {{Rut|Northampton Saints}}, 2024)34 (v. {{Rut|Edinburgh}}, 2025)75 (v Crusaders, 2000)
Most tries:

|11 (v. {{Rut|Zebre}}, 2023)

9 (v. {{Rut|Lyon}}, 2024)4 tries on two occasions13 (v Queensland Reds, 2007)
Most tries conceded

|7 (v. {{Rut|Leinster}}, 2024)

9 (v. {{Rut|Northampton Saints}}, 2024)4 (v. {{Rut|Edinburgh}}, 2025)11 (v {{Rut|Crusaders}}, 2000)
Most points by a player

|23 by Johan Goosen (v. {{Rut|Zebre}} 2023)

13 by Chris Smith (v. {{Rut|Lyon}}, 2023)10 by David Kriel (v. {{Rut|Edinburgh}}, 2025)35 by Morné Steyn (v {{Rut|Stormers}}, 2005, v {{Rut|Brumbies}} 2010)
Most tries by a player

|3 (hat-trick) by Cornal Hendricks (v. Ospreys, 2022),Canan Moodie (v. {{Rut|Zebre}} 2023),David Kriel (v. {{Rut|Zebre}} 2023), Canan Moodie (v. {{Rut|Benetton}} 2024)

2 tries on 5 occasions2 by David Kriel (v. {{Rut|Edinburgh}}, 2025)3 by Adriaan Richter (v. {{Rut|Blues}}, 1997), Fourie du Preez (v. {{Rut|Cats}}, 2004), Wynand Olivier (v. {{Rut|Rebels}}, 2011), Bjorn Basson (v. {{Rut|Rebels}}, 2016), Warrick Gelant (v. {{Rut|Sharks}}, 2017), Adriaan Strauss (v. {{Rut|Stormers}}, 2018), Warrick Gelant (v. {{Rut|Sharks}}, 2018), Rosko Specman (v. {{Rut|Highlanders}}, 2020)
Most conversions by a player

|10 by Johan Goosen (v. {{Rut|Zebre}} 2023)

6 by Morné Steyn (v. {{Rut|Lyon}}, 2022)2 on two occasions11 by Derick Hougaard (v. Queensland Reds, 2007)
Most penalties by a player

|5 by Morné Steyn (v. Sharks, 2021), Chris Smith (v. Cardiff 2021), Chris Smith (v. {{Rut|Munster}} 2022)

3 by Chris Smith (v. {{Rut|Toulouse}}, 2023), Chris Smith (v. {{Rut|Lyon}}, 2023)1 on two occasions8 by Jannie de Beer (v. {{Rut|Highlanders}}, 1996), Derick Hougaard (v. {{Rut|Crusaders}}, 2007)
Most drop goals by a player

|1 by Chris Smith (v. {{Rut|Sharks}} 2022)

record not setrecord not set4 by Morné Steyn (v. {{Rut|Crusaders}}, 2009)

==Winning Streaks==

class="wikitable" width="100%"
style="background:#BCD4E6

!Winning Streaks

!United Rugby Championship

!Heineken Cup

!EPCR Challenge Cup

!Super Rugby

Most consecutive victories

|6 (27 April 2024 – 22 June 2024)

3 victories1 victory12 (25 April 2009 – 27 March 2010)

==Season Records==

class="wikitable" width="100%"
style="background:#BCD4E6

!Season Records

!United Rugby Championship

!Heineken Cup

!EPCR Challenge Cup

!Super Rugby

Most points

|710 (2023–24)

213 (2023–24)60 (2024-25)500 (2010)
Most team tries

|92 (2023–24)

28 (2023–24)8 (2024-25)59 (2018)
Most team conversions

|70 (2023–24)

23 (2023–24)6 (2024-25)47 (2018)
Most team penalties

|36 (2023–24)

9 (2023–24)2 (2024-25)62 (2010)
Most team drop goals

|1 (2021–22)

record not setrecord not set11 (2009)
Most points by a player

|167 by Johan Goosen (2023–24)

41 by Johan Goosen15 by David Kriel263 by Morné Steyn (2010 – Super Rugby record)
Most tries by a player

|12 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 player

|45 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 player

|24 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 player

|1 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.

class="wikitable sortable"
SeasonPlayers
2021–22Johan Grobbelaar, Ruan Nortjé, Marcell Coetzee [https://www.unitedrugby.com/latest/news/the-united-rugby-championship-dream-team-has-been-named]
2022–23Kurt-Lee Arendse [https://www.unitedrugby.com/latest/news/urc-awards-2022-23-elite-xv-has-been-named]
2023–24Wilco Louw, Akker van der Merwe, Ruan Nortjé(2), Elrigh Louw, Cameron Hanekom, Kurt-Lee Arendse(2) [https://www.unitedrugby.com/awards/2023-24]

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.

class="wikitable sortable"
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.

class="wikitable sortable"
SeasonPlayers
2021–22Ruan Nortjé (1,394)

= All Time Records =

class="wikitable" width="100%"
style="background:#BCD4E6

!Individual Records

!Held by

Most points

|1708 by Morné Steyn (2005 – 2023)

Most tries

|37 by Bryan Habana (2005–2009)

Most conversions

|309 by Morné Steyn (2005 – 2023)

Most penalty kicks

|314 by Morné Steyn (2005 – 2023)

Most drop goals

|26 by Morné Steyn (2005 – 2023)

style="background:#BCD4E6

Play-off honours

=Finals=

class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"

!

!colspan="2"| Finalists

bgcolor=#ECEBBD

|2007

Won the Super Rugby final 20–19 against the Sharks19 May 2007
bgcolor=#ECEBBD

|2009

Won the Super Rugby final 61–17 against the Chiefs30 May 2009
bgcolor=#ECEBBD

|2010

Won the Super Rugby final 25–17 against the Stormers29 May 2010
bgcolor=#ECEBBD

|2021

Lost the Pro14 Rainbow Cup final 8–35 against Benetton19 June 2021
bgcolor=#ECEBBD

|2022

Lost the United Rugby Championship final 13–18 against the Stormers18 June 2022
bgcolor=#ECEBBD

|2024

Lost the United Rugby Championship final 16–21 against the Glasgow22 June 2024

=Semi-Finals=

class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"

!

!colspan="3"| Semi-finalists

bgcolor=#ECEBBD

|1996

Lost Super Rugby semi-final 11–48 to Blues19 May 1996
bgcolor=#ECEBBD

|2005

Lost Super Rugby semi-final 13–23 to Waratahs21 May 2005
bgcolor=#ECEBBD

| 2006

Lost Super Rugby semi-final 15–35 to Crusaders20 May 2006
bgcolor=#ECEBBD

| 2013

Lost Super Rugby semi-final 23–26 to Brumbies27 July 2013

=Quarter-Finals=

class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"

!

!colspan="3"| Quarter-finalists

bgcolor=#ECEBBD

|2012

Lost Super Rugby quarter-final 13–28 to Crusaders21 July 2012
bgcolor=#ECEBBD

| 2019

Lost Super Rugby quarter-final 28–35 to Hurricanes22 June 2019
bgcolor=#ECEBBD

| 2023

Lost United Rugby Championship quarter-final 33–21 to Stormers6 May 2023
bgcolor=#ECEBBD

| 2024

Lost European Rugby Champions Cup quarter-final 59–22 to Northampton Saints13 April 2024
bgcolor=#ECEBBD

| 2025

Lost EPCR Challenge Cup quarter-final 28–34 to Edinburgh12 April 2025

Trophies and Honours

  • Team of the Year for the 2010 season [https://www.ougrote.com/2010/11/01/sa-rugby-awards-2010-live/]
  • Team of the Year for the 2020 season [https://rugby365.com/tournaments/currie-cup/news-currie-cup/south-africas-player-of-the-year-revealed/]

= Major International Honours as the Bulls=

class="wikitable collapsible sortable" style="text-align:center; font-size:90%; width:100%;"

! colspan=7 | Major Honours in international competitions

style="width:10%;" | Competition

! style="width:5%;" | Titles won

! style="width:5%;" | Runner-up

! style="width:5%;" | Semi-finalists

! style="width:5%;" | Quarter-finalists

! style="width:5%;" | Qualifying-finalists

! style="width:5%;" | Round of 16

style="text-align:left;" | Super Rugby
{{rating|3|3|size=10px}}
style="background:gold"| (3) 2007, 2009, 2010style="background:silver"| (0)(4) 1996, 2005, 2006, 2013(1) 2019(1) 2012style="background:#000000"|
style="text-align:left;" | Super Rugby Conference trophy
{{rating|1|1|size=10px}}
style="background:gold"| (1) 2013style="background:silver"| (4) 2012, 2014, 2016, 2019style="background:#000000"|style="background:#000000"|style="background:#000000"|style="background:#000000"|
style="text-align:left;" | United Rugby Championshipstyle="background:gold"| (0)style="background:silver"| (2) 2021–22, 2023–24(0)(1) 2022–23style="background:#000000"|style="background:#000000"|
style="text-align:left;" | United Rugby Championship SA Shield
{{rating|1|1|size=10px}}
style="background:gold"| (1) 2023–24style="background:silver"| (2) 2021–22, 2022–23style="background:#000000"|style="background:#000000"|style="background:#000000"|style="background:#000000"|
style="text-align:left;" | Pro14 Rainbow Cupstyle="background:gold"| (0)style="background:silver"| (1) 2021style="background:#000000"|style="background:#000000"|style="background:#000000"|style="background:#000000"|
style="text-align:left;" | Super Rugby Unlocked
{{rating|1|1|size=10px}}
style="background:gold"| (1) 2020style="background:silver"| (0)style="background:#000000"|style="background:#000000"|style="background:#000000"|style="background:#000000"|
style="text-align:left;" | European Rugby Champions Cupstyle="background:gold"| (0)style="background:silver"| (0)(0)(1) 2023–24style="background:#000000"|(1) 2022–23
style="text-align:left;" | EPCR Challenge Cupstyle="background:gold"| (0)style="background:silver"| (0)(0)(1) 2024-25style="background:#000000"|(0)

= Major Domestic Honours as Blue Bulls / Blue Bulls XV / Northern Transvaal=

class="wikitable collapsible sortable" style="text-align:center; font-size:90%; width:100%;"

! colspan=7 | Major Honours in domestic competitions

style="width:5%;" | Competition

! style="width:20%;" | Titles won

! style="width:10%;" | Runner-up

! style="width:5%;" | Semi-finalists

style="text-align:left;" | Currie Cup
{{rating|25|25|size=10px}}
(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) 1954, 1970, 1982, 1983, 1985, 1990, 2005, 2008, 201611
style="text-align:left;" | Currie Cup First Division
{{rating|1|1|size=10px}}
(1) 2000(0)0
style="text-align:left;" | Vodacom Cup
{{rating|3|3|size=10px}}
(3) 2001, 2008, 2010(6) 2002, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2009, 20114
style="text-align:left;" | Rugby Challenge(0)(0)1
style="text-align:left;" | Lion Cup
{{rating|3|3|size=10px}}
(3) 1985, 1990, 1991(3) 1987, 1988, 1989-
style="text-align:left;" | Percy Frames Trophy
{{rating|6|6|size=10px}}
(6) 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991,1992(1) 1994-

= Minor Honours =

class="wikitable collapsible sortable" style="text-align:center; font-size:90%; width:80%;"

! colspan=6 | Minor honours

style="width:10%;" | Competition

! style="width:5%;" | Number of titles

! style="width:5%;" | Runner-up

style="text-align:left;" | Gauteng Rugby Cupstyle="background:gold"| (1) [https://www.iol.co.za/sport/rugby/victory-for-bulls-at-orlando-stadium-1463089 2013]style="background:silver"| (0)
style="text-align:left;" | Sanlam Challenge Shieldstyle="background:gold"| (1) [https://www.news24.com/Sport/Bulls-thrash-Saracens-20150131 2015]style="background:silver"| (0)
style="text-align:left;" | Lafarge Zimbabwe Champions Cupstyle="background:gold"| (0)style="background:silver"| (1) [https://web.archive.org/web/20160304184622/http://sportsmagic.co.zw/index.php/2016/02/07/cheetahs-lift-inaugural-lafarge-zim-championship-cup/ 2016]
style="text-align:left;" | World Club 10sstyle="background:gold"| (2) 2017, 2018style="background:silver"| (0)
style="text-align:left;" | Officeconomix Goodwill Challengestyle="background:gold"| (1) [https://www.namibian.com.na/113152/read/Slick-Bulls-win-the-Goodwill-Challenge 2022]style="background:silver"| (0)
style="text-align:left;" | Toyota Challengestyle="background:gold"| (0)style="background:silver"| (1) [https://ruggas.co.za/toyota-cheetahs-open-toyota-challenge-with-a-close-win-against-vodacom-bulls-xv/ 2022]
style="text-align:left;" | IBG Challenge Cupstyle="background:gold"| (1)[https://rugby365.com/tournaments/currie-cup/carr-leads-strong-bulls-side-against-falcons/ 2024]style="background:silver"| (0)
style="text-align:left;" | Mapungubwe Rugby Cupstyle="background:gold"| (1)[https://www.citizen.co.za/review-online/sports-news/local-sports/2024/06/24/vodacom-blue-bulls-to-host-griquas-in-polokwane-this-week/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3MrtT_t-T6gCTAoCdyx4JNbRanmDtTkwsBkHlDwhlG6QsQ6sNltHm09cE_aem_uy5LIW4ZPqd7S2C-au3Cxg 2024]style="background:silver"| (0)

Season-by-season record

class="wikitable collapsible sortable" style="text-align:center; font-size:90%; width:120%;"

| colspan=19 | Bulls season standings and results

CompetitionSeason{{abbr| Pos | Log position}}{{abbr|P| Games played}}{{abbr|W| Games won}}{{abbr|D| Games drawn}}{{abbr|L| Games lost}}{{abbr|PF| Points for}}{{abbr|PA| Points against}}{{abbr|PD| Points difference}}{{abbr|BP| Bonus points}}{{abbr|Pts| Tournament points}}PlayoffsSeason ResultConference/ShieldTop points scorerPointsTop try scorerTries
bgcolor=#DBB2D1

| rowspan="1" | EPCR Challenge Cup

|align=left| ↓ 2024–25

|align=left|N/A

| N/A

N/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/ALost quarter-final 28-34 vs Edinburghstyle="background:#CEF6F5; | Quarter-finalistsN/ADavid Kriel15David Kriel3
bgcolor=#66b466

| rowspan="4" | Heineken Cup

bgcolor=#66b466

|align=left|2024–25

|align=left|5th Pool 3

| 4

10384113|
2915Qualified to Challenge CupN/ACameron Hanekom15Cameron Hanekom3
bgcolor=#66b466

|align=left|2023–24

|align=left|2nd Pool A

| 4

301132102+30315Lost quarter-final 22-59 vs Northampton Saintsstyle="background:#CEF6F5; | Quarter-finalistsN/AJohan Goosen41David Kriel, Marcell Coetzee, Embrose Papier, Sebastian de Klerk3
bgcolor=#66b466

|align=left|2022–23

|align=left|7th Pool A

| 4

202102139|
37210Lost Round of 16 9-33 vs Toulousestyle="background:#E8CCD7; | Round of 16N/AChris Smith, Morné Steyn16Chris Smit, Wandisile Simelane, Bernard van der Linde, Stravino Jacobs2
bgcolor=#E8FFD8

| rowspan="5" | United Rugby Championship

bgcolor=#E8FFD8

|align=left|2024–25

|align=left|N/A

|18

1404542361+18112683rd
bgcolor=#E8FFD8

|align=left|2023–24

|align=left|2nd

|18

1305639433+2061466Lost final 16–21 to Glasgow.style="background:silver"| Runners up🥈 (2)style="background:gold"|Champions 🏆 1stJohan Goosen167Akker van der Merwe12
bgcolor=#E8FFD8

|align=left|2022–23

|align=left|6th

|18

1008613448+1651353Lost quarter-final 21–33 to Stormersstyle="background:#CEF6F5; | Quarter-finalistsstyle="background:silver"| Runners up (2)Chris Smith129Canan Moodie8
bgcolor=#E8FFD8

|align=left|2021–22

|align=left|4th

| 18

1107518388+1301458Lost final 13–18 to Stormers.style="background:silver"| Runners up🥈 (1)style="background:silver"| Runners up (1)Chris Smith153Marcell Coetzee11
bgcolor=#ECEBBD

| Pro14 Rainbow Cup

|align=left|2021

|1st

|6

501183117+66525Lost final 35–8 to Benetton.style="background:silver"| Runners up🥈N/AMorné Steyn53Madosh Tambwe4
bgcolor=#E3AB57

| Preparation Series

|align=left|2021

|1st

|4

301181115+66315No trophy or playoffsTop of pool AN/AChris Smith38Joe van Zyl4
bgcolor=#FFBD88

| Super Rugby Unlocked

|align=left|2020

|1st

|6

50117892+86323No playoffsstyle="background:gold"| Champions🏆N/AMorné Steyn62Stedman Gans5
bgcolor=#FED8B1

| rowspan="11" | Super Rugby

bgcolor=#FED8B1

|align=left|2020

|align=left|12th

|6

105115152|
3716Season cancelled due to COVID-194thMorné Steyn40Rosko Specman4
bgcolor=#FED8B1

|align=left|2019

|align=left|5th

|16

826410369+41341Lost quarterfinals 35–28 to the Hurricanes.style="background:#CEF6F5; | Quarter-finalistsstyle="background:silver"| Runners up (4)Handré Pollard194Cornal Hendricks, Rosko Specman, Hanro Liebenberg5
bgcolor=#FED8B1

|align=left|2018

|align=left|12th

|16

6010441502|
612295thHandré Pollard144Jesse Kriel8
bgcolor=#FED8B1

|align=left|2017

|align=left|15th

|15

4011339459|
1204203rdTian Schoeman80Jesse Kriel5
bgcolor=#FED8B1

|align=left|2016

|align=left|9th

|15

915399339+60442style="background:silver"| Runners up (3)Francois Brummer109Adriaan Strauss, Travis Ismaiel6
bgcolor=#FED8B1

|align=left|2015

|align=left|9th

|16

709397388+910383rdHandré Pollard167Francois Hougaard7
bgcolor=#FED8B1

|align=left|2014

|align=left|9th

|16

718365335+30838style="background:silver"| Runners up (2)Jacques-Louis Potgieter144Jono Ross4
bgcolor=#FED8B1

|align=left|2013

|align=left|2nd

|16

1204448330+118763Lost semi-final 23–26 to the Brumbies.style="background:#CD7F32; |Semi-Finalistsstyle="background:gold"|Champions 🏆 1stMorné Steyn248Jano Vermaak5
bgcolor=#FED8B1

|align=left|2012

|align=left|5th

|16

1006472369+1031159Lost qualifiers 28–13 to the Crusaders.style="background:#CEF6F5; | Qualifying-finalistsstyle="background:silver"| Runners up (1)Morné Steyn228Bjorn Basson10
bgcolor=#FED8B1

|align=left|2011

|align=left|7th

|16

1006416370+466543rdMorné Steyn216Bjorn Basson9
bgcolor=#FAFAD2

| rowspan="5"| Super 14

|align=left|2010

|align=left|1st

|13

1003436345+91747Defeated the Stormers 25–17style="background:gold"| Champions 🏆 3rdN/AMorné Steyn263Gerhard van den Heever8
bgcolor=#FAFAD2

|align=left|2009

|align=left|1st

|13

1003338271+67646Defeated the Chiefs 61–17style="background:gold"| Champions 🏆 2ndN/AMorné Steyn191Bryan Habana8
bgcolor=#FAFAD2

|align=left|2008

|align=left|10th

|13

607324347−23428N/AMorné Steyn80Akona Ndungane7
bgcolor=#FAFAD2

|align=left|2007

|align=left|1st

|13

904388223+165642Defeated the Sharks 19–20style="background:gold"| Champions🏆 1stN/ADerick Hougaard161Bryan Habana8
bgcolor=#FAFAD2

|align=left|2006

|align=left|4th

|13

715355290+65838Lost semi-final 35–15 to Crusaders.style="background:#CD7F32; |Semi-FinalistsN/ADerick Hougaard93Bryan Habana7
bgcolor=#FFE9BD

| rowspan="11" | Super 12

bgcolor=#FFE9BD

|align=left|2005

|align=left|3rd

|11

704301229+72634Lost semi-final 23–13 to Waratahs.style="background:#CD7F32; |Semi-FinalistsN/AMorne Steyn110Bryan Habana9
bgcolor=#FFE9BD

|align=left|2004

|align=left|6th

|11

515302320−18628N/ADerick Hougaard101Fourie du Preez5
bgcolor=#FFE9BD

|align=left|2003

|align=left|6th

|11

605320354−34530N/ALouis Koen139Frikkie Welsh5
bgcolor=#FFE9BD

|align=left|2002

|align=left|12th

|11

0011232500−26811N/ABoeta Wessels29Adrian Jacobs, Wylie Human5
bgcolor=#FFE9BD

|align=left|2001

|align=left|12th

|11

209241378−137311N/ACasper Steyn97Frikkie Welsh, Friedrich Lombard, Adrian Jacobs4
bgcolor=#FFE9BD

|align=left|2000

|align=left|11th

|11

128231395−164311N/AJannie de Beer123Deon de Kock3
bgcolor=#FFE9BD

|align=left|1999

|align=left|12th

|11

1010203447−24437N/AFranco Smith59Jan-Harm van Wyk, Schutte Bekker, Pierre Ribbens2
bgcolor=#FFE9BD

|align=left|1998

|align=left|11th

|11

308249306−57416N/AFranco Smith65Casper Steyn5
bgcolor=#FFE9BD

|align=left|1997

|align=left|8th

|11

335264342−78422N/ACasper Steyn50Jacques Olivier4
bgcolor=#FFE9BD

|align=left|1996

|align=left|4th

|11

803329208+121638Lost semi-final 48–11 to Auckland Blues.style="background:#CD7F32; |Semi-FinalistsN/AJannie Kruger139Adriaan Richter4
bgcolor=#F0E68C

|rowspan="3"| Super 10 (amateur era)

|align=left| 1995

|

|

Did not qualifyN/A
bgcolor=#F0E68C

|align=left|1994

|

|

Did not qualifyN/A
bgcolor=#F0E68C

|align=left|1993

|3rd

|4

202109109008N/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

class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center; font-size:85%; width:100%"

| colspan=100% style="height:10px" |

Key:

| style="background:#F0E68C;" colspan=2 | Super 10

| style="background:#FFE9BD;" colspan=2 | Super 12

| style="background:#FAFAD2;" colspan=2 | Super 14

| style="background:#FED8B1;" colspan=2 | Super Rugby

| style="background:#FFBD88;" colspan=2 | Super Rugby Unlocked

| style="background:#E3AB57;" colspan=2 | Preparation Series

| style="background:#ECEBBD;" colspan=2 | Pro 14 Rainbow Cup

| style="background:#E8FFD8;" colspan=2 | United Rugby Championship

| style="background:#66b466;" colspan=2 | European Rugby Champions Cup

| style="background:#DBB2D1;" colspan=2 | EPCR Challenge Cup

| colspan=100% style="height:10px" |

References

{{Reflist}}

External links

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{{Wikinews|has=News related to this article| Bulls clinch position in Super 14 rugby semi-finals}}

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Category:Super Rugby champions

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Category:1997 establishments in South Africa

Category:Rugby clubs established in 1997

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