Bulls welcome Bok veteran Le Roux back for Champions Cup clash with Bordeaux
Hugely experienced fullback expected to be named in the starting line-up against in-form French side
17 January 2024 - 14:45
byMahlatse Mphahlele
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
Bulls full-back Willie le Roux will be back to action against French side Bordeaux Bègles at Loftus on Saturday. Picture: RYAN WILKISKY/REUTERS
The Bulls have received a timely boost ahead of their vital Champions Cup clash against Bordeaux Bègles at Loftus on Saturday with news that Springbok veteran Willie le Roux is available for selection.
The vastly experienced fullback has returned from leave and is expected to be named in the starting line-up against the in-form French side who have already qualified for the knockout stages from Pool 1.
A win for the Bulls in their final pool game will see them confirm passage to the knockout stages.
“Willie will be back this week because his leave has been broken into two blocks. The first block is finished and he will get another block in February,” said Bulls coach Jake White.
Though there is good news about Le Roux, the Bulls will be without powerhouse tighthead prop Wilco Louw, who is recovering from an AC joint injury he suffered in the Champions’ Cup win over Bristol Bears at Ashton Gate last weekend.
“It is not as bad as we initially thought but he will be out for a few games. We are lucky we don’t play too many games between now and the end of February,” said White.
“Hopefully, by the end of February he will be ready to go again or even maybe earlier, but we don’t want to take a chance because it is not worth it considering there is a lot of rugby left.”
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
Bulls welcome Bok veteran Le Roux back for Champions Cup clash with Bordeaux
Hugely experienced fullback expected to be named in the starting line-up against in-form French side
The Bulls have received a timely boost ahead of their vital Champions Cup clash against Bordeaux Bègles at Loftus on Saturday with news that Springbok veteran Willie le Roux is available for selection.
The vastly experienced fullback has returned from leave and is expected to be named in the starting line-up against the in-form French side who have already qualified for the knockout stages from Pool 1.
A win for the Bulls in their final pool game will see them confirm passage to the knockout stages.
“Willie will be back this week because his leave has been broken into two blocks. The first block is finished and he will get another block in February,” said Bulls coach Jake White.
Though there is good news about Le Roux, the Bulls will be without powerhouse tighthead prop Wilco Louw, who is recovering from an AC joint injury he suffered in the Champions’ Cup win over Bristol Bears at Ashton Gate last weekend.
“It is not as bad as we initially thought but he will be out for a few games. We are lucky we don’t play too many games between now and the end of February,” said White.
“Hopefully, by the end of February he will be ready to go again or even maybe earlier, but we don’t want to take a chance because it is not worth it considering there is a lot of rugby left.”
Sharks have a plan for Champions Cup return
Keep Six Nations for northern hemisphere sides, says White
Sharks happy about Challenge Cup progress, but not out of the woods yet
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Most Read
Related Articles
Sharks have a plan for Champions Cup return
Keep Six Nations for northern hemisphere sides, says White
Sharks happy about Challenge Cup progress, but not out of the woods yet
Published by Arena Holdings and distributed with the Financial Mail on the last Thursday of every month except December and January.