Bulls Lose Springbok Canan Moodie for Champions Cup Opener Against Stade Français
- Canan Moodie has been ruled out of the Bulls' Investec Champions Cup opener after picking up a head injury in the Jukskei derby
- Johan Ackermann faces a selection headache on the wing, with another speedster also unavailable due to illness
- Bulls will have to reshuffle their backline ahead of Saturday's clash at Loftus Versfeld, with the squad named on Thursday
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PRETORIA — Head coach Johan Ackermann has confirmed the Bulls will be without Springbok winger Canan Moodie for their opening Investec Champions Cup fixture against Stade Français at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
Moodie was placed under Head Injury Assessment (HIA) protocols after colliding with Lions loose forward Siba Mahashe during last weekend's Jukskei derby in Pretoria, and the protocols have ruled him out of the European showpiece opener.
Bulls backline options thin on the ground
The situation is compounded by the unavailability of fellow winger Cheswill Jooste, who has been battling illness in the build-up to the match. With two of Ackermann's wide options sidelined at the same time, the head coach is expected to turn to Stravino Jacobs, Sebastian de Klerk, and Dylan Maart to cover the wing positions. The official team announcement is scheduled for Thursday.
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On a more positive note, SA Rugby Magazine reports that scrumhalf Embrose Papier has returned to training after a lengthy spell on the sidelines with an ankle injury, offering Ackermann some relief ahead of what promises to be a demanding campaign. However, No. 2 Akker van der Merwe remains unavailable as he continues his recovery from a calf injury.
Week one of the Champions Cup
The arrival of Stade Français at Loftus Versfeld marks the Bulls' entry into the Investec Champions Cup, one of club rugby's most prestigious competitions. Ackermann's side will be eager to begin the tournament strongly on home soil, though the dual absences in the back three present a clear challenge to their preparations.
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Ackermann warns Bulls still have work to do after derby win
Briefly News previously reported that Johan Ackermann praised the Bulls after their emphatic 57–15 victory over the Lions at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, 10 October 2026.
However, the coach acknowledged that his team still made mistakes despite scoring nine tries. The Bulls will now have to address their remaining shortcomings while dealing with Canan Moodie's absence from the match.
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Source: Briefly News
