SPOTLIGHT: February 8, 2025, will be a date that will forever be remembered in the Moodie household.

It was the day the Bulls finally recorded their first win over the Stormers at Cape Town Stadium in the United Rugby Championship.

The 33-32 victory made sure the Pretoria franchise bagged five log points and enhanced their chances of securing a top-four spot.

The triumph was extra special for 22-year-old Canan Moodie, who celebrated his 50th appearance for the Bulls across all competitions.

Born and raised in Paarl, Western Cape, Moodie would not have dreamt of playing for the Bulls.

But as fate would have it; after completing his high school career at Boland Landbou High School; and impressing in the Western Province youth teams (2019 and 2020), the utility back joined the Blue Bulls Academy in Pretoria.

He participated in the 2021 RSA provincial Under-20 championship and soon penned a professional contract with the Bulls.

In the space of three years, the young man’s career skyrocketed. In January 2022,  he made his Bulls debut against Western Province during the Currie Cup and scored a try.

He quickly joined the Bulls’ URC squad and became a regular starter for Jake White’s side. The Bulls made the made the 2022 championship play-offs, finishing as runners-up.

In that same year, Moodie joined the Springboks’ touring team in August for Rugby Championship matches against Australia. In pure Moodie fashion, he scored a try in the 38th minute during his Test debut against Australia in Sydney.

His performance got him a spot in the triumphant 2023 Springboks’ World Cup squad.

And on Saturday, the star – at just 22 years old – added another incredible feat to his list of accomplishments.

“It was a very special day, a full circle moment,” Moodie told reporters.

“It [Cape Town] was where I played my first professional game for the Bulls, making my debut in the Currie Cup.

“To get 50 up in Cape Town was special. I had my family and friends there to support me.

“I’m playing for a very prestigious club and obviously getting the win was important.

“It has not been easy in Cape Town, so we finally got the win we so desperately wanted.”

Moodie said the three years have been a ‘whirlwind’ for him.

“I am very grateful and blessed for everything that happened in my life.

“It’s been a whirlwind, from making my [Currie Cup] debut in January when I was just 19 years old in Cape Town and a week later URC and then later the Springboks.

“Very blessed and hopefully there is more to come.”

Moodie said it was extra special having his parents – Raymond and Chantel Moodie – come on the field for the first time and sharing that moment with them.

Although Moodie did not add his name to the scoresheet, he was vital when it came to the aerial battle.

“As a wing, it’s your job to chase the high ball. You obviously want to get the ball in hand and score some tries. There were a few opportunities at the weekend but did not come my way.

“We knew we had to play a certain way to get the win, and I knew going into that game with Stormers that was my job.

“Hopefully, this weekend against the Sharks we can spread the ball wide and give the wingers a bit of chance to score some tries.”

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Winger v outside centre

Touted as the Springboks’ next outside centre, Moodie who is currently playing at wing, said the number on his back has been gaining loads of interest.

“I get asked that question a lot,” The 22-year-old said when asked which positions he prefers.

With a big smile on his face, he continued to explain: “Wherever I’m needed I will play.

“Against the Stormers, we had a certain game plan, and the wing was the best way to execute that game plan.

“We will have to see the game plan for the Sharks and then I will just slot in where I’m needed.

“The team come first and whatever is needed I’m happy to cover.”

The Bulls host the Sharks this Saturday at Loftus Versfeld.