Young Marutlulle, 35, appointed Bulls head coach for Currie Cup: 'Age is not lost on me'

The Bulls on Friday named former hooker Edgar Marutlulle as their new Currie Cup head coach, and he will be assisted by Gert Smal and Sean Everitt.

Marutlulle, a seasoned campaigner at the Bulls, has established himself as a prominent figure within the junior rugby structures in Pretoria as he led the under-21s to victory during their SA Rugby Cup title defence campaign.

The former Lions, Leopards, Kings and Bulls hooker-turned-coach is no stranger to the Currie Cup coaching team, having served as an assistant coach during the 2022 campaign.

Marutlulle will be supported by assistants with vastly experienced coaching pedigrees in Gert Smal, Hugo van As and Sean Everitt.

Marutlulle said the opportunity to coach the Bulls was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and to get to do it in South Africa's oldest competition is more than career-defining.

"I am extremely privileged to be a 35-year-old coaching at the Bulls, I completely understand that it is not a normal thing and so the moment is not lost to me," said Marutlulle.

"The Currie Cup remains a prestigious competition in our eyes and our ambition is to do well in this year's campaign. We are competing, wanting to add (title) number 26 on the honours board, and continuing with that culture of making Loftus home to the Currie Cup."

The Bulls, who won the trophy in 2020 and 2021, get their campaign under way against the current holders, the Pumas, at Loftus Versfeld on Sunday. Kick-off is at 13:00.

Jake White - Director of Rugby

Edgar Marutlulle - Head Coach

Sean Everitt - Defence & Breakdown

Hugo van As - Backline

Gert Smal - Forwards

Marutlulle touts his ability to connect and relate to the players as one of his biggest assets in being able to lead the side.

"I know what being a club