Bulls Struck Gold with Cobus Wiese
The Bulls have seen a mix of outcomes with players returning to Pretoria from overseas in recent years, but it appears that Jake White and his management team have struck gold with Cobus Wiese. After only a few matches in his Bulls jersey, Wiese has showcased his remarkable talent at lock, bringing a new level of energy to the team.
Cobus Wiese’s journey to this moment is particularly interesting. While Jake White was leading South Africa to victory in the 2007 Rugby World Cup, a 10-year-old Cobus was busy playing on his family’s farm in the Northern Cape, tackling his older brother, Jasper. Though he stands three inches taller than Jasper, Cobus, who is two years younger, is still affectionately considered the little brother.
As he embarks on his first season in the United Rugby Championship under White’s guidance, Wiese’s potential as a rising star at Loftus Versfeld has become apparent after just four games. This once-young boy from 2007 has transformed into a formidable athlete, now nearly two meters tall and weighing 116 kilograms, ready to make a substantial impact on the Bulls’ physical game.
In a recent media interview, Wiese explained his exceptional strength, saying, “Jasper and I didn’t grow up in a gym. We worked on the farm.” The brothers may not have followed a traditional route to provincial rugby through elite schools, but they have both emerged as prominent figures on the rugby field.
“I’m excited to join such a successful team like the Bulls, who have consistently reached the URC playoffs. Jake possesses an incredible rugby mind, and I returned to South Africa eager to enhance my game further. The caliber of players here is astonishing. My goal is to contribute to the team’s success this season. I gained valuable experience abroad, and I look forward to sharing that with my teammates. From day one, it felt like home at Loftus; I felt like part of the team for years,” Wiese reflected.
Related Articles
