The Bulls to Clash with Glasgow Warriors in Scotland

The Bulls will take on the Glasgow Warriors in Scotland with Springbok lock Ruan Nortjé once again entrusted with the captaincy. Although he is set to link up with the national squad later in October, Nortjé’s leadership remains central to a side that has undergone eight changes following their narrow victory over Connacht.

Coach Johan Ackermann has refreshed the forward pack, introducing Gerhard Steenekamp, Johan Grobbelaar, and Mornay Smith in the front row, while Reinhardt Ludwig shifts to flank alongside the returning Marcell Coetzee. In the backline, Embrosé Papier replaces Paul de Wet at scrumhalf, and Stravino Jacobs fills in for Canan Moodie, who has been called up to the Springboks.

The Bulls’ Springbok lock, Ruan Nortjé, who was one of the standouts in the Springbok team during the Rugby Championship in August and September this year, is back with his team in Scotland, and he will lead them on the field against the Glasgow Warriors on Friday night

The Bulls arrive with confidence, having won five of their last seven away fixtures in the United Rugby Championship, but they face a formidable Glasgow outfit that has lost only once this season and boasts an intimidating home record at Scotstoun, where they have been beaten just twice since December 2023.

Historically, the Bulls hold a narrow 3–2 advantage in head-to-head meetings, with their only Scottish victory coming earlier this year at the same venue. With seasoned campaigners such as Willie le Roux, Jan Serfontein, David Kriel, and Kurt-Lee Arendse also named in the matchday squad, the encounter promises to be a stern test of depth, resilience, and tactical adaptability.

Key Takeaways: Bulls vs Glasgow Warriors

• Captaincy: Springbok lock Ruan Nortjé will captain the Bulls against the Glasgow Warriors in Scotland on Friday night.
• Springbok Duty: Although Nortjé is set to join the Springboks’ European tour later in October, he’ll still lead the Bulls in this URC clash.
• Team Changes: Coach Johan Ackermann made eight changes to the line-up after last week’s narrow win over Connacht.
  • • Forwards: Front row reshuffle with Gerhard Steenekamp, Johan Grobbelaar, and Mornay Smith starting.
    • Loose Forwards: Reinhardt Ludwig shifts from lock to flank; Marcell Coetzee returns.
    • Backline: Embrosé Papier replaces Paul de Wet at scrumhalf; Stravino Jacobs comes in for Canan Moodie (called up to the Boks).

  Form Guide:

  • • Bulls: won 5 of their last 7 away URC games.
    • Glasgow: only one defeat this season (vs Benetton); very strong at home, with just two losses at Scotstoun since Dec 2023.
• Head-to-Head: Bulls lead the rivalry 3–2. Their only win in Scotland came in April 2025, also at Scotstoun.
• Matchday Squad: Includes experienced names like Willie le Roux, Jan Serfontein, David Kriel, and Kurt-Lee Arendse (on the bench).