Bulls lock in Springboks Cameron Hanekom and Jan-Hendrik Wessels in major show of intent

The Bulls have secured a major boost for their long-term ambitions with confirmation that Springbok forwards Cameron Hanekom and Jan-Hendrik Wessels have both signed contract extensions keeping them at Loftus Versfeld until the end of the 2028 season.

Both players began their professional careers at the Bulls as teenagers and have since become integral to the Pretoria side’s rise as one of the most formidable forward packs in South African rugby.

Hanekom, who made a popular Springbok debut last November, has been sidelined with a hamstring injury but is already back in light training as he continues his recovery. The dynamic loose forward said he was determined to help the Bulls chase silverware over the next few seasons.

“There’s unfinished business here, and I’m determined to help the Vodacom Bulls achieve their goals and make every supporter proud,” Hanekom said. “To wear this jersey is a massive honour, but to keep wearing it until 2028 is a dream come true.”

Wessels, meanwhile, has enhanced his reputation as one of the most versatile front-rowers in the country, able to switch between hooker and loosehead prop with ease. The 23-year-old has earned nine Test caps since making his Bok debut last year.

He was included in Rassie Erasmus’ squad for the November tour of Europe but was denied the opportunity to add to that tally due to a controversial suspension for allegedly grabbing Josh Murphy’s genitals in the Bulls’ United Rugby Championship win over Connacht. Despite that setback, he is still viewed as a cornerstone of both the Bulls and South Africa’s front-row strength for years to come.

The Bulls’ decision to tie down both forwards comes as the side balances its Vodacom United Rugby Championship campaign with its push in the Investec Champions Cup.

Blue Bulls Company chief executive officer Edgar Rathbone hailed the double extension as a significant statement of intent from the Loftus-based outfit.

“We pride ourselves on being a club where champions are made,” Rathbone said. “The decision by Jan-Hendrik and Cameron to extend their contracts is a massive vote of confidence in the Vodacom Bulls family.

“Retaining players of their calibre is a major statement of intent. Jan-Hendrik is a unique talent with his front-row versatility, and Cameron is an explosive athlete who will be back to his best very soon. They represent the high-quality, long-term investments we are making to ensure we consistently challenge for titles.”

The Bulls have long built their identity around a powerful scrum and an imposing pack, and the retention of two of their brightest young forwards reinforces that trademark. With both Hanekom and Wessels committing to Loftus for the next four years, the Bulls have ensured that their engine room will remain one of the most potent in the United Rugby Championship.