Blue Bulls exhibition to open it's doors

 

 

The Blue Bulls Rugby Union’s (BBRU) 75th Anniversary celebrations hit second gear at Loftus Versfeld today with the exclusive unveiling of the Bulls Rugby Exhibit to the media.

 

 

On 2 February, the Union launched its 75thAnniversary celebrations at Orlando Stadium ahead of the inaugural Gauteng Rugby Cup,  won by the Vodacom Bulls after defeating the MTN Lions. 

 

Located in the Blou Bul Saal, above Reception, the Bulls Rugby Exhibit showcases 75 proud years of Northern Transvaal, Blue Bulls and Vodacom Bulls’ history.

 

It includes playing kit from 1938 to present day, Frik du Preez’s bronzed boot from when he “dropped, placed and scored”, footage of Bulls games broadcast on flat screen TVs, photographs and images from the Northern Transvaal Rugby Union days to the current Vodacom Bulls and Vodacom Blue Bulls teams as well as a timeline dating back to 1938.

 

 

Louis Nel, BBRU President, will officially unveil the Bulls Rugby Exhibit to more than 150 ex-players, VIPs and invited guests before kickoff of the Vodacom Bulls versus the Toyota Cheetahs game at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday night.

 

For many in attendance this match will bring back memories of the first ever game at Loftus Versfeld on 28 May 1938 featuring Doc Craven as skipper and the oldest living Bull LM Smit at tighthead prop. The match ended in an 11 -11 draw.

 

“Taking this trip down memory lane, remembering our feats and legends of the past will be a welcomed pre-kickoff activity among my guests. I do believe that visitors will thoroughly enjoy the Exhibit, seeing firsthand the evolution of the game and how the Bulls have transformed from 1938 through to 2013.”

 

For the BBRU, 75 years is a significant milestone, one they intend to celebrate through various activities in the months ahead including memorabilia, gala dinners, golf days and special supporter-related events.

 

Barend van Graan, Blue Bulls Company CEO, says the launch of the Bulls Rugby Exhibit is just a teaser of what’s to come.

 

“As South Africa’s most successful rugby union with the most number of supporters in this country, we want to celebrate our 75thAnniversary in a memorable way that pays tribute to our legends and achievements of the past, express our gratitude to our loyal and fanatic supporters while ensuring that our teams have the best tools available to succeed at the highest levels that enable them to keep filling our trophy cabinets.

 

The Bulls Rugby Exhibit is the perfect illustration of our history from our earliest beginnings to present day that reflects the changes and advances in the world of rugby, a sport that we have been at the forefront of.”

 

The Bulls Rugby Exhibit will officially open to the public next week. Access to the Exhibit will form part of a Stadium Tour.

 

Balthi du Plessis, Bulls Rugby Exhibit curator, believes that the beauty of the older items will attract people to the Exhibit.

 

“The Bulls Rugby Exhibit draws attention to the earliest playing days of the Bulls, their playing kit, equipment as well as the coverage in print and broadcast media during that time.

 

It is a great reflection of the development of the game and of the Bulls’ history. The Bulls Rugby Exhibit is highly recommendable for any rugby and or Bulls supporter to get a firsthand,  up close view of the game spanning a 75-year period.”

 

 

- By Own Corr/Jacaranda Sport