Reinhardt Ludwig's seven months of frustration drive Bulls return

Sitting down ahead of Saturday's United Rugby Championship clash with Munster at Thomond Park, the young lock spoke candidly about the frustration of being left out and the work that followed for him to get himself back in contention.

"It wasn't always sunshine and roses. The past seven months I didn't play much, especially at the end of last season," Ludwig said.

"I wasn't part of the match-day 23, and it hurts not to play. The only guy who knows that feeling is the guy who isn't picked on a Monday to play on a Saturday. That feeling just stuck with me.

"I think it motivated me a lot through this pre-season. I was lucky this weekend to have a good outing. It doesn't just happen overnight that you play good rugby or have a good game.

"I think it was months and months of hard work and sitting with coaches, talking to them: 'What must I work on? What do I need in my game to play for you?'

"There were some tough conversations. But I think as a player you want honesty and you want to know where you stand."

That honesty has shaped Ludwig's approach as the Bulls' lock group navigates life without the influential Ruan Nortje.

The veteran's absence has thrust younger players into greater responsibility, and Ludwig views the challenge as an opportunity rather than a burden.

"Ruan left a big mark and he's left big shoes to fill. But the nice thing is that we're young locks, we're very ambitious and all of us want to be where Ruan is one day," he said.

"We've been thrown in at the deep end a little bit, but I feel that's where you learn and grow the quickest. You have to adapt. I love challenging and pushing myself.

"Sometimes it's nice to hear other voices rather than just Ruan's. It's no longer just Ruan's plan, but that of a few guys, and we're trying to make it work."

Munster present a stern examination of that collective progress in the second round of the United Rugby Championship this weekend.

The Irish side remain formidable at home and will be looking to bounce back from an opening round defeat to Glasgow Warriors.

Ludwig is under no illusions about the challenge that awaits them in Limerick.

"Munster is definitely another challenge. They're a good side, they're a proper Irish side. You have to respect them," he said.

"Against a quality side like Munster, you'll have to be more consistent."