Bulls opt against UK base, return to South Africa before URC final

Fresh from a dramatic 22-21 comeback victory over the Glasgow Warriors in Edinburgh, the Pretoria outfit face Leinster at Dublin's Croke Park on June 19 in a repeat of last season's decider. It will be the Bulls' fourth URC final in five years, although they are still searching for their first title after falling short in each of their previous appearances.

Rather than remain in Europe during the break between the semi-final and final, coach Johan Ackermann and his management team elected to bring the squad home, allowing players valuable time with their families before preparations intensify later this week.

"It wasn't an easy decision because there are advantages and disadvantages either way," Ackermann said.

"For me, it was important to get the emotional side of the preparation right. After discussions with the management and players, we felt it would be better to prepare at home, use the facilities we're familiar with and allow the players to spend time with their families and children."

The Bulls are scheduled to resume training on Thursday and Friday before departing for Ireland on Monday.

The decision marks a different approach from earlier in the season when the team remained in Europe for close to a month following their Champions Cup defeat to Glasgow. That tour ultimately included URC fixtures against the Dragons and Scarlets and helped strengthen team culture during a demanding stretch of the campaign.

Ackermann explained that the circumstances were very different this time around, particularly at the end of a long season where physical and mental recovery takes priority over extra training sessions.

"At this stage, rest is probably more important than spending more time on the training field," he said.

The coach also pointed to last year's final as a factor in the discussions, with players recalling their extended stay in Dublin before suffering a heavy 32-7 defeat to Leinster at the same venue.

Croke Park, with a capacity of more than 82,000, is the only suitable stadium available in the Dublin area for the final and will again provide a daunting backdrop as the Bulls attempt to overturn the defending champions on their home soil.