Utility forward Cobus Wiese is eager to help the Vodacom Bulls capture the United Rugby Championship crown under the stewardship of Jake White this season.
When White was coaching South Africa to a second Rugby World Cup trophy in 2007, Wiese was 10 years old and running around his parents’ Northern Cape farm, tackling his older brother Jasper.
Now, Jasper is a Springbok world champion, and Cobus is preparing for his first URC season with the Herd, who kick off their 2024-25 campaign against Edinburgh at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
“I’m excited. It’s always good to be able to step into a successful team like the Bulls, which has been in the URC playoffs every season,” said the 27-year-old, who joined the Pretoria outfit July from English Premiership club Sale Sharks.
“I think Jake is an incredible rugby brain, and I certainly came back to South Africa with the desire to grow my game even more. The quality of players in this group is incredible.”
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“I think my role is to try and add my little bit to hopefully take this team all the way this season. I learnt a lot up north and I’m looking forward to sharing some of that with my teammates. And from the start it was really easy to settle in here at Loftus. It felt like I’d been a part of this team for years,” Wiese added.
He’s incredibly close with Jasper, and family is a large part of why Cobus has returned to the Republic.
“We’re a very close family and we’ve been through a lot together. If Jasper and I don’t talk every day, then I’ll phone him twice the next day. That’s how close we are,” explained Wiese, who can play lock or across the back row.
“Our decision to come back to South Africa was mainly based around family.
“[And] when it comes to rugby, the most important thing is not to put your identity in your rugby results. We’re blessed to do what we do and get paid for it. The great thing about rugby is that you get another chance next week. The season is long.”
Photo: Khulani Media
