The Bulls have secured the services of two Springboks for the foreseeable future.

Having begun their professional careers aged 18 in Pretoria, Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Cameron Hanekom have signed on until the end of the 2028 season.

Hanekom was a popular Springbok debutant last November, his progress stymied only by a hamstring injury that is progressing well in recovery. He is back in light training.

There’s unfinished business here, and I’m determined to help the Bulls achieve their goals and to make every supporter proud,” said Hanekom. “To wear this jersey is a massive honour but to keep wearing it till 2028 is a dream come true.”

Wessels, meanwhile, has been praised for his hybrid ability – he can play both hooker and loosehead – plus his skill and physical prowess

After making his Bok debut last year, he has gone on to accumulate nine Test caps in total.

Both players are critical to the Bulls’ ambitions in the URC and Investec Champions Cup.

“We pride ourselves on being a club where champions are made, and the decision by Jan-Hendrik and Cameron to extend their contracts is a massive vote of confidence in the Bulls family,” said Blue Bulls Company CEO Edgar Rathbone.

“Retaining players of the calibre of this pair is a major statement of intent. Jan-Hendrik is a unique talent with his front-row versatility, and Cameron is an explosive athlete who will be back to his best very soon. They represent the high-quality, long-term investments we are making to ensure we consistently challenge for titles.”

There has been a hue and cry about this card in South Africa and elsewhere down south. Leadership is needed on this from World Rugby,” he added.

“It can take the shape of a clear, unequivocal statement that it was correct not to go to the bunker – that the issuing of a red card was appropriate.”