Curwin Bosch to Make Bulls URC Debut Against Zebre Parma in Italy on Saturday
- Curwin Bosch has recovered from a calf injury sustained against the All Blacks and will start at flyhalf for the Bulls in Italy
- Embrose Papier's ankle injury ruled him out of the two-match tour, opening the door for Paul de Wet at scrumhalf
- Marcell Coetzee will captain the side as the Bulls chase a fifth consecutive winning start to the URC season
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Source: Getty Images
ITALY — Curwin Bosch is in line for his first United Rugby Championship appearance for the Vodacom Bulls when they take on Zebre Parma on Saturday, 27 September 2026.
The 29-year-old flyhalf has been cleared to return after overcoming the calf problem that forced him out following the Bulls’ meeting with the All Blacks at Loftus Versfeld last month. His return also brings a fresh halfback pairing, with Paul de Wet starting at scrumhalf.
De Wet steps into the No. 9 role after Embrose Papier was ruled out with an ankle injury, leaving Bosch and De Wet to form a new combination for the Bulls’ opening match in Italy.
Papier ruled out of Italy and Ireland tour
Papier suffered an ankle injury in training and has been ruled out of both legs of the Bulls' two-match tour in Italy and Ireland. De Wet steps up to fill the vacancy at scrumhalf.
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Willie le Roux returns at fullback, while Sebastian de Klerk makes a welcome comeback from a long-term injury on the right wing. Stravino Jacobs completes the back three on the left, with Harold Vorster and Stedman Gans paired together in midfield.
Up front, Marcell Coetzee leads from the openside flank, supported by Hanro Liebenberg at blindside and Jeandré Rudolph at No 8. The front row consists of Alu Tshakweni at loosehead, Francois Klopper at tighthead and Juann Else at hooker. Among the replacements are experienced loose forward Nizaam Carr, scrumhalf Zak Burger and young lock JF van Heerden.
Bulls carry strong record against Zebre into Saturday's fixture
The Bulls have a dominant head-to-head record against Zebre, with their most recent encounter ending in a 54-19 victory at Loftus in May. The Pretoria-based side have won every opening URC fixture across the last four seasons and have lost only once in five visits to Italy.
Zebre Parma will be captained by scrumhalf Alessandro Fusco, with Tommaso Allan starting at fullback and Giacomo Da Re at flyhalf.
A Bulls victory on Saturday would extend several impressive statistical streaks as the new URC campaign gets under way.
Source: Twitter
Full Bulls team
Starting XV: Willie le Roux, Sebastian de Klerk, Stedman Gans, Harold Vorster, Stravino Jacobs, Curwin Bosch, Paul de Wet, Jeandré Rudolph, Hanro Liebenberg, Marcell Coetzee (c), Reinhardt Ludwig, Ruan Vermaak, Francois Klopper, Juann Else, Alu Tshakweni.
Bench: Janco Uys, Dylan Smith, Mornay Smith, JF van Heerden, Nizaam Carr, Zak Burger, Cheswill Jooste, Hakeem Kunene.
Bulls’ Springbok recruitment plans add another twist
Briefly News also reported that Johan Ackermann has confirmed the Bulls are considering moves for two experienced Springboks, with Kwagga Smith and Malcolm Marx among the names on the franchise’s recruitment table.
Ackermann stressed that neither deal is done yet, but his comments have added another layer to the Bulls’ plans as they prepare for the new URC season.
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Source: Briefly News
