High Performance Manager leaves Bulls days before the start of the Super Rugby season - reports

With the 2019 Super Rugby season just days away, most teams are in the final stages of preparation for those opening games.

The Bulls are set to host the Stormers at Loftus Versveld on Saturday, with the two franchises intent on chasing down the Lions and Sharks, both of whom made the Super Rugby playoffs in 2018.

Having lost former director of rugby John Mitchell to England last year, the Bulls appointed Alan Zondagh, who has a wealth of coaching experience, including stints at Western Province, Eastern Province and Saracens, among others.

According to a report by Netwerk24, however, the franchise has parted ways with High Performance Manager Xander Janse van Rensburg, who has been with the franchise since 2012, overseeing the side’s talent identification and academy structures.

Janse van Rensburg reportedly handed in his resignation and the franchise are likely to release a statement on his departure in the imminent future.

Zondagh has been vocal on carrying on the good work started by Mitchell last year, whilst also focusing on player development at the franchise.

“I’ve worked with young players for many years and I think the most important thing at a union or franchise like this is the Super Rugby team. And if we get young players into our system, we have to develop them in such a way that they are knocking on the Super Rugby door every year.

“I speak to a lot of unions across South Africa and they agree players might win U19 and U21 competitions, but there isn’t really a player who came through that system and is knocking on the door of Super Rugby. It’s no use winning at U19 and U21 levels every year, but you’re not really making progress in Super Rugby. We have to look at our systems and get it to where our young players break into the Super Rugby squads. That is my main job.”

The Bulls have welcomed veteran stars Schalk Brits and Duane Vermeulen to the franchise this season, both of whom will be influential in mentoring through the next generation of players in Pretoria.

Watch: Duane Vermeulen pre-season interview