{
  "id": 8204735,
  "title": "Bulls have reset, hope to finally get over the line in URC",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/18/bulls-have-reset-hope-to-finally-get-over-the-line-in-urc",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-18T08:06:19.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/sport/rugby/bulls-have-reset-hope-get-over-line-urc/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Bulls, after reflecting on last season, strategic changes, and the addition of new personnel, are once again gearing up to contend for the United Rugby Championship (URC) title. Last season's 36-7 defeat to Leinster in Dublin marked their most significant blow yet in their four finals appearances over the past five years. Addressing the media on Thursday, head coach Johan Ackermann and captain Marcell Coetzee emphasized the need to remain optimistic about the future, acknowledging that the past must serve as a learning experience.\n\nThe upcoming season entails tough preliminary matches, starting with Zebre and Munster away games without key players. Ackermann stressed the competitive nature of the URC, with only marginal differences between teams in top-level matches. He pointed to their lackluster performance in the 2023 Leinster final as a source of pain but emphasized moving forward.\n\nAcknowledging the departure of players like Wilco Louw, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Ruan Nortjé, and David Kriel, along with Johan Goosen's retirement, Ackermann highlighted the contributions of newly signed players such as Curwin Bosch, Hanro Liebenberg, Thaakir Abrahams, Hakeem Kunene, Sango Xamlashe, Dylan Maart, and Mawande Mdanda. Junior players like Luan Giliomee, set to join in October, will further bolster the team dynamics.\n\nThe coaching staff assessed their performances during last season, identifying strengths, weaknesses, and areas requiring improvement. They aim to capitalize on their positive aspects while addressing shortcomings tactically. Both Ackermann and Coetzee expressed disappointment in the team's inability to mount a stronger challenge in their fourth URC final but were proud of their resilience in bouncing back from a seven-match losing streak. Their focus remains on maintaining and building upon the positives from the previous season to secure a championship title this year.",
  "summary": "'We want to get over the line... We did a lot of good things [last season]. If we can keep doing that hopefully we can give ourselves a chance.'",
  "key_points": [
    "Bulls aim to win URC title after 2023 loss to Leinster",
    "Johan Ackermann and Marcell Coetzee emphasize optimism",
    "New signings include Curwin Bosch and Hanro Liebenberg"
  ],
  "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."
}