Willem Strauss will continue his presidency of the Blue Bulls Rugby Union for a third consecutive term after being unopposed at the union elections, a remarkable show of confidence from the union’s executive in a president already well into his second decade at the helm.
Having already held the position for eight years, the longest in the professional era, Strauss has earned a reputation for creating talent pipelines and ensuring the entire ecosystem in the union is not only healthy but vibrant. That no one stood against him for a third term speaks to the depth of trust he has built across every level of the union, from the boardroom to the changeroom.
Said Dr Johann Rupert, co-majority shareholder of the Blue Bulls Company: “Willem has given us stability, and it runs through the whole ecosystem, from schools and clubs to women’s rugby and the senior franchise team. As a shareholder, I know how rare that is. His continued presidency is a powerful endorsement of a man who has passion, commitment and, above all, gets things done.”
Indeed, when Strauss first became president he inherited a union that was in bad shape, hardly the internationally renowned presence it is now.
His success is reflected in a bulging trophy cabinet that reflects several Currie Cups, a Super Rugby Unlocked title, four Vodacom URC finals in five years, the SA Shield, domination among the national junior teams, champion Tukkies’ continued Varsity Cup success and four-time national champions the Isuzu Bulls Daisies. The Naka Bulle,
meanwhile, have won the Gold Cup three consecutive times, a competition that was itself revived under Strauss’s leadership.
Moreover, he revived the platteland rugby tournament and has ensured the Bulletjies Day is the biggest such event in the world. Together with the Gold Cup and various cross-border competitions, these initiatives have created real, meaningful opportunities for amateur players across the union and Limpopo to be seen and recognised, widening the pathway into professional rugby far beyond the traditional school and club circuits.
Strauss’s commercialisation of amateur rugby in Pretoria and Limpopo, making it attractive to sponsors and partners, is unmatched in SA rugby and underscores his determination to ensure the lifeblood of the game is healthy.
Said Ben Eybers, Blue Bulls Rugby Union vice-president: “It’s been a pleasure to sit with Willem on the Blue Bulls Rugby Union executive these past nine years. His initiative and passion for rugby has taken our rugby to the next level and we can’t wait to see what happens in the next four years.”
Eybers was also quick to note that Strauss’s focus extends well beyond the union’s own borders, with his influence consistently felt in service of the broader South African rugby community, not merely for parochial gain.
Even so, Strauss’s biggest success may simply be in the numbers: never before has the Blue Bulls Rugby Union been represented by so many players. What’s more, in recent years, the Vodacom Bulls and Isuzu Bulls Daisies have proven the most prolific conveyor belt of talent to the national teams.
Strauss himself believes that his most important legacy may be in ensuring the longevity of the union by procuring an investment deal with business titans Dr Patrice Motsepe and Dr Rupert, both of whom brought gravitas, know-how and commercial stability to the board table.
Motsepe, also founder and chairman of the African Rainbow Group of Companies, was equally delighted with Strauss’ impending third term.
“I congratulate Willem on his unopposed re-election as president of the Blue Bulls Rugby Union. The performance of the clubs across the various leagues is testament to his leadership and his passion for rugby. We are proud of the world-class management structures in place.
“As a partner and co-shareholder representative in the Bulls’ professional franchise, we look forward to working with Willem for another successful term.
Strauss takes great pride in saluting the achievements of the lower-tiered teams as much as he does the senior sides that play internationally. He recognises the importance of ensuring the conveyor belt of talent works well enough at the bottom to supply the top tier, all part of a virtuous ecosystem that makes the Blue Bulls Rugby Union region one of the most successful in the world.
He’s just as likely to be spotted on the sidelines of a little-known club as he is in the presidential suite at Loftus Versfeld.
“I love everything about this role,” he said. “It gives me a great amount of joy, which is the true reward of rugby. I’ll continue to serve as long as I can make a difference. My ambition is to make the Vodacom Bulls the best rugby club in the world on and off the field by growing and excelling at every level.”
He praised the Blue Bulls Rugby Union board and executive and said he remains confident of continued success given their vigour and energy