Ruan Nortje Ends Extraordinary Bulls Chapter to Join Japanese Club

Ruan Nortje confirms his departure from the Bulls after 146 matches. Read about his legacy at Loftus Versfeld and the reasons behind his move to Japan.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 10, 2026, 3:38 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Rugby365

The End of a Decadelong Legacy at Loftus

The Bulls have confirmed a major blow to their forward pack with the announcement that lock Ruan Nortje will exit the union following the conclusion of the 2026 season. Nortje, a homegrown talent who has only ever represented the Bulls at the senior professional level, has accepted a lucrative offer to continue his career in Japan. Since making his senior debut in 2018, the 27-year-old has evolved into a cornerstone of the Pretoria-based franchise, amassing 146 appearances over nearly a decade of service. His departure follows the recent announcement of teammate David Kriel’s move to La Rochelle, signaling a period of significant transition for the Bulls' roster.

Milestones and International Recognition

Nortje’s rise within the Bulls' system culminated in his graduation to the international stage, where he has earned 18 caps for the Springboks. Known for his uncompromising work ethic and durability, he is currently on the verge of a historic landmark. Should he feature in the remaining four fixtures of the season, Nortje will reach 150 Bulls caps during the match against Benetton in mid-May. This achievement would cement his status as 24th on the all-time appearance list for the union, a testament to his resilience in a position defined by high-impact physicality.

A Decision Rooted in Family Future

Speaking from the team's base in France, Nortje expressed the difficulty of leaving his professional home. He described representing the Bulls as a "little boy’s dream" and admitted he never imagined reaching the 150-match milestone when he first started. While the move represents a significant financial opportunity in the twilight of his peak years, Nortje emphasized that his wife and family were the "number one priority" in making the choice to play in Japan. He extended his gratitude to the fans and staff at Loftus Versfeld, noting that the friendships built during his tenure would be lifelong.