“South Africa will always be my home, but my teammates at the Vodacom Bulls have been a big reason behind the decision to stay. Hopefully, I can continue to guide some of the passionate younger players that are coming through over the next two years,” says Willie le Roux who has extended his professional contract with the club.

Since arriving in the capital – at the end of the 2023 Rugby World Cup – le Roux has made 29 appearances across the Vodacom United Rugby Championship [24] and the Investec Champions Cup [5] and is now signed to further add to that tally of caps for the Tshwane franchise.

As the Springbok fullback reflects on his time at Loftus thus far, he says: “This is an unreal stadium to play in, it’s always been one of my favourites, you can’t beat the vibe that the supporters bring every week. The club is special because of its fans and just what it means to put on its jersey every week we play,”

“Reaching the VURC Grand Final in my first year with the club and a very special semi-final win at Loftus against a brilliant Leinster side, as well as being able to win the VURC SA Shield, are all among my top highlights thus far. Now we look ahead to more of these special memories.”

Director of Rugby Jake White laments the need to keep stalwarts like le Roux in South Africa. “It is great to be able to have him extend with us. This is what our rugby needs: experienced campaigners to share their IP with the next crop of players. Willie has proven to us all – in a short time – just how important he is to what we are trying to achieve, I am sure his extension will be welcomed news to everyone, including players, coaches and our loyal fans.”

The versatile double World Cup-winning backliner arrived on an initial three-year contract, which would run until the end of June 2026. Now, El Maestro will continue to ply his trade and mentor the next crop of stars until June 2027.

Le Roux and his teammates currently sit third on the league table, targeting a run all the way to the end. Meanwhile, in the cup competition, his teammates will battle French side Aviron Bayonnais in the EPCR Challenge Cup round of 16 clash and Le Roux says this is just the start of an all-important three-month period for the side.

“The next 12 weeks are very important for us because when you’re in knockout stages, there are no second chances, when you’re out, you’re out, but we are ready for the challenge!”