Stedman Gans, going through a tackle, is geared to compete with Bulls' new acquisitions such as former Junior Bok and Paarl Boys fullback star Hakeem Kunene.
Image: BackpagePix
The Bulls recently announced the signings of a bunch of new backline players, but veteran utility back Stedman Gans says he has been around long enough to take the new competition in his stride.
Gans will earn his 100th cap for the Bulls on Saturday when they host Benetton in the final league game of the United Rugby Championship before the playoffs.
On Monday, the Bulls announced that they have signed former Sharks flyhalf Curwin Bosch; rising backline star Luan Giliomee; former Junior Bok and Paarl Boys fullback star Hakeem Kunene; former Sharks wing/fullback Thaakir Abrahams; Griquas wing Dylan Maart, and Pumas outside centre Sango Xamlashe.
Gans, who mostly plays wing and outside centre, but this season has found himself at 12, says fighting for starting positions is part of life at Loftus.
“It will be a whole new ball game, but it’s like that every year,” he said. “Even if you have the same group of centres from season to season, people change form; coaches think differently and sometimes adopt a new game plan.
“The faces and skill levels might be different next year, but as I say, a new season is never the same as the previous one apart from competition for places.”
While this season, Gans has had plenty of game time, he has had extended periods in the stands during his ten-year career with the Bulls.
“Not playing does get you down a bit,” he said. “But for me, it is about always remembering what a privilege it is to be part of a top system like this at the Bulls and to stay positive because your chance will come.
“And I have worked hard to be ready for my opportunity (this season), and I am happy with how it has gone.
“Even at 29, I’m still evolving as a player,” he said. “I started at the Bulls, then had a couple of years at the Sevens. I really enjoyed my time there, and I picked up skills that transferred very well when I came back full-time to the Bulls. I feel blessed to have been able to play the game for ten years and play my 100th game for this club.”
Gans says he feels gratitude when he looks back on his career.
“I grew up in Vredenburg (in the Western Cape). I ended up in Pretoria because my dad got a job there. We moved. I had not thought that I would pursue rugby after school, but the way the game is structured here in Pretoria, in terms of different leagues and competitions, it opened up a new avenue for me.
“From my dad working hard to get his call-up to work in Pretoria, it set me up for my call-up to the Bulls. That is why I feel so blessed.”
The Bulls boast another Vredenburg product in 19-year-old Cheswil Jooste. With a smile, Gans says they share rugby experiences, but that is about it.
“It is difficult to hang out with him too much. Conversations are rare — he is into TikTok, and I prefer to read a book, but when it comes to rugby, I gladly share my experience of handling difficult moments on the field.”