The Vodacom Bulls have confirmed that exciting prop Gerhard Steenekamp has signed a new deal that will keep him at the Loftus Stadium for the next four years.
The 26-year-old Steenekamp is the key member of the Jake White-coached side and has played a vital role in their excellent run in both the Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) and Champions Cup.
The Potchefstroom Gymnasium old boy’s impressive displays for the Bulls saw him making his Springbok debut in a victory over Argentina in Buenos Aires last year.
However, the forward unfortunately missed out on the 2023 Rugby World Cup squad that defended South Africa’s title in France.
The player, who has been with the Pretoria-based franchise senior side since 2020 after being promoted from its junior ranks, is excited about penning the new deal with the side.
“There is not another club where I want to be right now,” Steenekamp said.
He has amassed a whopping 114 caps over 8 years in the country’s capital across different competitions including Super Rugby and Currie Cup.
“I have been enjoying my time playing for the Bulls and I am glad that the opportunity came to extend my time in Tshwane, I grabbed it with both hands,” he said.
“I have found this to be a very family-oriented space where our wives and kids are a part of the whole system. It hasn’t been just me but also my wife supporting me every weekend and my daughter giving me another reason to do my best, so in that sense, the Bulls has been an awesome club to play at.
“There is an awesome culture with a group of players, coaching staff and management that is all aligned and making it easier to enjoy my time here and wearing the jersey.”
Steenekamp added that he wants to give his best to the Bulls.
“I have to give everything that I have for the Vodacom Bulls, my family, the fans and everyone that supports us, that is the biggest thing for me. I feel that the club has done their part by contracting me for another three years and now all I can do is give my best in every game and every second.”
The Bulls will return to action with a trip to Dragons for a URC match on Saturday, March 23.
The Pretoria franchise sits in the second spot with 40 points from 11 outings. They are four points behind Leinster.
We can’t wait to see more of the marauding Gerhard Steenekamp in Blue 🐂#BackTheBulls pic.twitter.com/odAd2HQaQA
— Official Blue Bulls (@BlueBullsRugby) March 13, 2024
