Bulls lose another Springbok as lineout king Ruan Nortje heads for Japan

The 27-year-old Nortje has only ever worn the blue jersey at senior level. Having grown up playing his school rugby locally, Loftus Versfeld became his professional rugby home when he made his senior debut for the team in 2018. Four years later, his consistent performances were rewarded with the first of his 18 Springbok caps, underlining his rise as one of South Africa's premier locks.

Over nearly a decade of service, Nortje has been a cornerstone of the Bulls' pack, combining physical authority with resilience, leadership, and an uncompromising work ethic. His contribution spans 146 matches for the union to date.

Should he feature in all four remaining fixtures, Nortje will reach the significant milestone of 150 Bulls caps against Benetton in May. The achievement that would place him among the most durable servants of the jersey, currently 24th on the all-time appearance list.

Speaking from France, where his team is based ahead of next weekend's URC match against the Dragons, Nortje said it was difficult to put his feelings into words.

"For me, it was a little boy's dream come true to represent the Bulls," he told the club's website.

"I'd have been happy with one appearance and never imagined in my wildest dreams I'd get to almost 150 matches. I've been grateful and have been blessed not to have many injuries.

"Playing at a packed Loftus, all the people crammed in, there's no experience like it.

"A big thank you to everyone who played a role in my career. I was blessed to work with many amazing people. I've built friendships that will last forever. It's a very emotional decision, but it's all about my wife and my family - they are my number one priority."

The news comes days after Bulls backline speedster David Kriel confirmed his departure to pastures new in France at the might La Rochelle. 

Bulls head coach Johan Ackermann paid tribute to Nortje's impact, both as a player and as a person:

"Since I arrived, I have been in conversation with Ruan and [Bulls CEO] Edgar Rathbone about his decision to leave for an opportunity abroad," he said.

"I respect that. He has given almost ten years of his career to the Bulls and been the heart and soul of the team.

"As a player, sometimes change is good. He also has a young family to think about and this is a new opportunity to explore the world. He's paid his dues and is established as one of the icons in the Bulls jersey by how he plays and conducts himself.

"It was an easy decision to support him and his wife Linda. I can only thank him for this year I got to work with him, mainly for his leadership and quality as a person. Hopefully, we have a strong finish to the season to send him off on a good note. He'll make a massive difference wherever he goes. We have young locks who have learned so much from him, and hopefully we can build on the legacy he'll leave behind."