{
  "id": 8030084,
  "title": "Bulls announce stellar URC squad, with Giliomee to join from October",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/bulls-announce-stellar-urc-squad-with-giliomee-to-join-from-october",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-17T13:38:30.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/sport/rugby/bulls-strong-urc-squad-luan-giliomee-join-october/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Bulls have unveiled a formidable 55-player lineup for the 2026/27 United Rugby Championship (URC), aiming to reclaim the title after recent setbacks. Head coach Johan Ackermann revealed the squad in Pretoria on Thursday, alongside captain Marcell Coetzee, declaring their determination to overcome four URC final defeats in the last five years.\n\nDespite personnel changes, including the departure of Kurt-Lee Arendse, Ruan Nortjé, Wilco Louw, and David Kriel, Ackermann remains optimistic. The team will retain their core DNA of physical dominance but acknowledges the need to adapt certain aspects of their style after a disappointing 36-7 loss to Leinster in last season's Dublin final.\n\nNotably, the Bulls have bolstered their ranks with key signings such as Curwin Bosch from Brive, Hanro Liebenberg from Leicester, Thaakir Abrahams, Luan Giliomee, Hakeem Kunene, and others. Giliomee, a Junior Springbok, Blitzbok, and SA A star, will join the Bulls in October on a three-year deal, having been part of the Sharks' 67-player squad announced earlier this week.\n\nThe Bulls will commence their URC campaign on Saturday against Zebre in Parma before facing Munster at Thomond Park. Their first home game will be against the Lions.",
  "summary": "Johan Ackermann has named a strong squad while hoping changes to personnel and game style will work in their favour.",
  "key_points": [
    "Bulls announce 55-player lineup for 2026/27 URC",
    "Giliomee joins from October on three-year deal",
    "Team aims to reclaim title after four URC final defeats"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}