Bulls President Willem Strauss Secures Third Term Amid Billionaire Support
Billionaires Johann Rupert and Patrice Motsepe endorse Willem Strauss for a third term as president of the Blue Bulls Rugby Union.
Willem Strauss has been re-elected as president of the Blue Bulls Rugby Union, marking his third consecutive term. The announcement came on Tuesday from the Pretoria-based union, highlighting Strauss’s continuous contribution to the growth of rugby in the region.
Support from Major Shareholders
South African business magnates Johann Rupert and Patrice Motsepe have both publicly backed Strauss following his unopposed reelection. Rupert, who operates as a co-majority shareholder of the Blue Bulls Company, praised Strauss for providing stability throughout the organization's ecosystem.
“Willem has given us stability,” Rupert stated, underscoring the importance of consistent leadership. Motsepe echoed Rupert's sentiment, attributing the positive outcomes of the union’s teams to Strauss’s effective management. “The performance of the clubs across various leagues is a testament to his leadership,” he said, expressing pride in the high-caliber management structures they have established.
A Key Deal for the Future
One significant initiative spearheaded by Strauss was orchestrating a deal in 2019 that enabled Rupert and Motsepe to assume control of the Bulls’ professional sector. Rupert’s investment firm, Remgro Ltd., previously held a 50% stake in the Blue Bulls Company and adjusted its shareholding to incorporate Motsepe. Today, both Rupert's Remgro and Motsepe's African Rainbow Capital each hold 37% of the company, while the union retains a 26% portion. The specifics of this financial agreement have not been disclosed.
Strauss views this partnership as crucial for the long-term sustainability of the union. Together, the men also joined the board, wherein the union retains governance over amateur and junior rugby in Pretoria and Limpopo, while the Blue Bulls Company oversees the professional team competing in the prestigious United Rugby Championship.
Recent Achievements
During his tenure, Strauss has heralded numerous successes for the Bulls. The team clinched two Currie Cup titles—South Africa’s oldest domestic tournament—during the 2020-21 and 2021 seasons, and triumphed in the Super Rugby Unlocked competition in 2020. They have made it to the finals of the United Rugby Championship four times over the past five seasons, although they have yet to secure a victory in these decisive matches, with the most recent loss to Leinster in June.
In the 2023-24 season, the Bulls managed to win the South African Shield, recognizing them as the top South African side in the league. Additionally, the union’s women’s team, the Bulls Daisies, has achieved remarkable success as four-time national champions, reflecting Strauss's efforts in promoting all levels of the sport.
Vice-president of the union Ben Eybers remarked, “His initiative and passion for rugby have taken our rugby to the next level,
