The Vodacom Bulls have returned one of their former stars to Loftus Versfeld as former Springbok Werner Kruger has signed on as a front-row coach for the team.
Kruger, who was one of the most unassuming front row forwards during the Bulls golden era under both Frans Ludeke and Heyneke Meyer, has over 300 caps of experience behind his name in first class rugby and will be used to transfer that to the young Bulls props as they look to make their scrum a powerhouse in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship.
Kruger played 100 times for both the Vodacom Bulls and Blue Bulls before heading to Scarlets in Wales, where he has another century of caps, and was solid in the front row to create a reputation of being a respected tighthead that was rarely beaten in the scrum.
“We are pleased to have been able to call on Werner Kruger as a consultant who will work with our front row, with immediate effect,” confirmed Vodacom Bulls director of rugby, Jake White.
“Werner was one of the most respected tighthead props, not only in South Africa, but overseas as well where he became a legend at Scarlets in Wales. He is somebody who knows the Bulls culture intimately and his expertise will be of great value to our group of props currently.
“We look forward to seeing his influence and have no doubt that with his contribution we are bound to see an improvement from our front row, particularly the props.”
Kruger’s playing career at the Bulls began in 2003, spanning until his move to Wales in 2016, where he remained committed to Scarlets in Llanelli until last year.
He was part of the SA under-21 team for two years in 2005 and 2006 before his selection for the Emerging Springboks team in 2010. Kruger earned four Springbok caps between 2011 and 2012.