Luan Giliomee working hard to master Bulls system

Luan Giliomee working hard to master Bulls system

Giliomee began his career with the Sharks and progressed through their youth system and making his full senior debut against Munster last season before joining Bulls just over a week ago.

Despite his short time at the franchise, he has already been included in the Bulls Champions Cup squad, which begins against Stade Francais at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

"It's been a flippin' good experience," Giliomee told reporters. "I arrived on Sunday, got to training on Monday; the other guys were still on tour.

"Luckily enough, I had the privilege of being welcomed by the Springbok players.

"I had the privilege of training with them; I had a couple of walk-throughs with them and did my medicals with them. They showed me around and accepted me with open arms."

Joining a new team midway through the campaign has brought its own challenges, but the young pivot is focused on adapting quickly.

"It's definitely an experience joining another team in the middle of the season," The 19-year-old said.

"I believe I've done my best; I'm still trying to do my best to understand their calls and to be part of the Bulls' system.

"I'm just trying to make the rest of the guys comfortable playing with me.

"My mindset [for those games] was kind of like 'I have an opportunity this weekend', and I had great coaches that backed me.

"I realised that no matter the fact that I'm going to the Bulls, I still get the chance to perform, and they're backing me to perform.

"That was the motivational point for me, just to say thank you and to perform to the best of my abilities."

Looking ahead, the fly-half is determined to keep developing every part of his game.

"I think I need to improve on all aspects just to become better and start levelling up on everything," he said.

"I'm gradually becoming a versatile player, and maybe there are some attack pointers that I can learn from the guys here. Defence pointers as well, and some key things I want to integrate into my game. I just want to become a better player."

Related News

Johan Ackermann eager to see Bulls' young stars shine in Champions Cup opener

Johan Ackermann eager to see Bulls' young stars shine in Champions Cup opener

  • 1 hour ago

Bulls coach Johan Ackermann has challenged the Bulls' emerging talents to back themselves as he explained his team selection for Saturday's Champions Cup opener against Stade Français at Loftus Versfeld.

SA's European Rugby Weekend: Fixtures, form and what's at stake

SA's European Rugby Weekend: Fixtures, form and what's at stake

  • 2 hours ago

South Africa's European rugby campaign opens this weekend with five fixtures across the Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup.

Pollard returns as Bulls hand Giliomee first start against Stade Francais

Pollard returns as Bulls hand Giliomee first start against Stade Francais

  • 21 hours ago

Handre Pollard returns at flyhalf and Luan Giliomee earns his first start at fullback as the Bulls named their team for Saturday's Investec Champions Cup opener against Stade Francais.

Bulls dealt Canan Moodie blow ahead of Champions Cup opener

Bulls dealt Canan Moodie blow ahead of Champions Cup opener

  • 1 day ago

The Bulls will be without Springbok back Canan Moodie for Saturday's Champions Cup clash against Stade Francais at Loftus Versfeld, forcing coach Johan Ackermann to consider changes to his backline.