Springbok veteran Willie le Roux to leave Bulls
Veteran fullback Willie le Roux has reportedly decided not to extend his contract with the Bulls and will leave the Pretoria outfit at the end of the season.
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According to Sunday newspaper Rapport, the 35-year-old informed the Bulls of his decision, opting against a third-year extension on his current deal.
Le Roux, who joined the Bulls in 2023 after a stint with Toyota Verblitz in Japan, is rumoured to be exploring options abroad.
Speculation has linked him to English Premiership club Bath, where former Springbok assistant coach Johann van Graan is on the hunt for a seasoned playmaker.
If negotiations are successful, Le Roux could join Bath after South Africa’s three July 2025 home Tests.
Next Springbok centurion
As reported by The South African website, Willie le Roux has made 98 appearances in the Springbok jersey to date.
He is bidding to become just the eighth South African to reach the magical three-figure mark – and the fourth backline player to do so.
It’s worth remembering that 945 players have pulled the famed green and gold jersey over their heads since 1891.
Le Roux played in the Springboks’ opening end-of-year Test against Scotland at Murrayfield, but was left out of the squad to face England six days later.
He was also overlooked for the Test against Wales at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff the weekend thereafter.
Le Roux will now need to wait until at least mid-year 2025 in order to join the select list of Springbok Test centurions.
The Springboks will play Italy (twice) and Georgia (once) in their mid-year 2025 Tests.
SOUTH AFRICA’S TEST CENTURIONS
| Player | Tests | Tries |
| Eben Etzebeth * | 131 | 7 |
| Victor Matfield | 127 | 7 |
| Bryan Habana | 124 | 67 |
| Tendai Mtawarira | 117 | 2 |
| John Smit | 111 | 8 |
| Jean de Villiers | 109 | 27 |
| Percy Montgomery | 102 | 25 |
| Willie le Roux * | 98 | 15 |
* denotes still playing
Willie le Roux is a two-time Rugby World Cup winner
Le Roux, who was born in Stellenbosch and attended famed Paul Roos Gymnasium, turned 35 on 18 August 2024.
He made his Test debut on 8 June 2013 against Italy at Hollywoodbets Kings Park in Durban and has scored 15 tries to date.
Le Roux has won 67 of his Tests, lost 30 with one other ending in a draw for a win percentage of 68%.
He made his provincial debut for Boland Cavaliers and has also represented Griquas, Free State Cheetahs, Sharks and Blue Bulls in South Africa, as well as Wasps (England) and Canon Eagles and Toyota Verblitz (both Japan).
Le Roux is a two-time Rugby World Cup winner having been part of both the 2019 and 2023 Webb Ellis Cup-winning Springbok squads.
BIO: WILLIE LE ROUX
| Full name: Willem Jacobus le Roux | |
| Date of birth: 18 August 1989 | |
| Place of birth: Stellenbosch | |
| Schools: Strand, Paul Roos Gymnasium | |
| Springbok No: #848 | |
| Physical: 1.86m, 90kg | |
| Current age: 35 | |
