Embrose Papier Set To Break Springboks Legend Joost Van Der Westhuizen’s Bulls Record

• A landmark appearance awaits at Loftus as Embrose Papier closes in on a major Bulls milestone that will etch his name into franchise history
• The scrum-half is on the brink of overtaking one of South African rugby’s most celebrated figures in a record that has stood for years
• Strong club form and growing national attention have put Papier back on the Springboks radar amid mounting competition for the No 9 jersey
• Briefly News spoke exclusively to a rugby analyst on Papier's displays, which have caught the Springboks coach's eye

When the Vodacom Bulls take to the field in the penultimate round of the United Rugby Championship against Zebre this weekend, it will be an iconic moment for Embrose Papier.

Papier will don the famous Bulls colours for a record 170th appearance, a milestone that will see him surpass the late, great Joost van der Westhuizen as the most-capped scrum-half in the club’s history. He was named on the replacements bench and will be hoping to get game time to officially break the record.

Read also

Sundowns coach Cardoso takes aim at Hugo Broos after Keanu Cupido injury

Erasmus shows interest in Papier

According to Bulls coach Johan Ackermann, Springboks boss Rassie Erasmus has taken note of the 29-year-old’s outstanding performances this season.

Papier has already featured for the Springboks, earning seven Test caps since his debut in 2018, but has struggled to secure a regular place due to competition from the likes of Faf de Klerk, Cobus Reinach, Grant Williams, Jaden Hendrikse, Herschel Jantjies and Morne van den Berg.

Speaking to Briefly News, rugby analyst Thabang Mokoena said Embrose Papier deserves recognition for the consistency he has shown for the Bulls over the past two seasons.

“People forget how difficult it is to stay relevant at scrum-half in South Africa because the competition is relentless. Papier has forced his way back into the conversation through pure consistency and form.”

Mokoena believes surpassing Joost van der Westhuizen’s record highlights the impact Papier has had at the Bulls.

“You don’t break a record linked to Joost unless you’ve given years of quality service to the franchise. That alone tells you how valuable Papier has been for the Bulls.”

Read also

Kaizer Chiefs player lashes out at Cardoso following referee comments controversy

The rugby analyst also feels the timing could work in Papier’s favour regarding the Springboks.

“Injuries in the Springboks setup have suddenly reopened the door a little. If Papier keeps producing performances like this, it becomes impossible to ignore him much longer.”

Mokoena added that Papier’s experience and maturity could still make him an asset for Rassie Erasmus heading into another demanding international season.

“He looks sharper, calmer and more complete as a player now than he did a few years ago. Sometimes players reach their best level later, and Papier seems to be entering that phase.”

However, he has been in excellent form for the Bulls during their 2025/26 United Rugby Championship and Investec Champions Cup campaigns, already collecting five man-of-the-match awards this year.

Papier among leading performers in the URC

He also ranks among the URC’s leading attacking performers and has crossed the try line nine times, just two behind Stormers number eight Evan Roos, who leads the competition after 16 rounds.

Despite his strong performances, Papier has not yet earned a recent Springboks call-up, with Erasmus’ February alignment campcoach's overlooking him. That could change, however, as injuries to Reinach, Williams and Hendrikse begin to open up space in the national setup.

Read also

Cardoso makes honest admission about Sundowns title race

Ackermann confirmed there has been communication from the Springboks camp regarding his in-form scrum-half, although no further camp involvement has followed yet. He added that national selectors are clearly keeping close watch after direct contact was made, speaking in Pretoria during the team announcement for the Zebre fixture.

“They’ve spoken to him about a few things he needs to improve on. That’s positive for us because it shows they’re watching him, but nothing is guaranteed,” he said.

Former England rugby player admits cheating

Briefly News previously reported that A former British and Irish Lions rugby player has admitted that he cheated in a head injury assessment test to get back on the pitch after a heavy tackle.

Anthony Watson told the BBC that he took this step in 2017 during the second Test against the All Blacks in New Zealand, when he was high tackled by Sonny Bill Williams. Williams received a straight red card for the offence.

Source: Briefly News