Blue Bulls turn yellow to unite rugby, soccer fans

The Bulls unveiled a new bright yellow away jersey for the 2018 Super Rugby competition at the weekend, apparently as a tribute to fellow Pretoria sports club Mamelodi Sundowns, who are the African football champions – but it may as well have been radioactive uranium, judging by the response of the rugby team’s fans.

The Super Rugby franchise, which is also celebrating the Pretoria rugby union’s 80th anniversary this year, traditionally plays in blue jerseys and even call themselves the Blue Bulls in the Currie Cup competition. But their “technical partner” Puma unveiled an almost entirely yellow jersey for 2018.

“Great uniforms are based on teams, not individuals, and because Puma is extremely privileged to be the official technical partner of both Bulls and Sundowns, we are in the position to exercise our creative licence in terms of team kit design,” said Puma’s Brett Bellinger.

“We believe this one-of-a-kind kit will become a sought-after collector’s item for both rugby and football fans.”

Bulls CEO Barend van Graan said: “The Bulls have always believed in a bigger dream of uniting Tshwane; one that ensures we fight to uphold the pride of our city. Both teams represent this city and we believe that sharing our colours is a great way of expressing that. “This alignment no doubt also shows an amazing unity, not only of the brands but also the sporting codes. It also shows the Bulls’ willingness to embrace and unite, to be leaders and torchbearers in the process of continually unifying our people.”

While the jury is still out on whether the jerseys, which will be on sale for R799 from February 1, will unite football and rugby fans, it did fuel debate on social media.

“Sad how tradition is scrapped in SA these days,” Twitter user @ Critical Eye said. But @Tshepo_ Thato said: “I love it, I must get the jersey. Game recognises Game.” Jason Thorne’s complimentary post was: “The willingness to embrace change and unite is why I love supporting the Blue Bulls.”