Veteran fullback Willie le Roux can’t wait to run out and express himself on debut for the Vodacom Bulls at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
The 34-year-old will start in the Vodacom URC clash against Connacht, marshalling a back three that is bookended by wingers Sergeal Petersen and Sebastian de Klerk.
He is among a quartet of World Cup-winning Springboks who linked up with Jake White’s troops back home this week, yet despite 93 Tests and back-to-back world titles, Le Roux divides the opinion of fans like no other.
Speaking on the Bulls’ official podcast, Le Roux accepted that he is not every SA rugby supporter’s cup of tea, but the mercurial back can’t wait to resume his domestic career in the Republic.
“I’m not going to stay in a nutshell and not try my things and be scared of what the people are going to talk about me after the game, or the guys who talk about rugby afterwards or who know everything,” he said. “[The Bulls] signed me here, they back me, so I can express myself.
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“If I see something on, I’ll go for it. If it works out then everybody is going to love me and all say, ‘wow, what a great signing’. If it doesn’t work out, the other side is going to say, ‘he’s old, why is he here?’ You can never win.
“I’m here to do a job, and hopefully as best as I can and hopefully make everyone proud that’s happy for me to be here.”
On joining the Bulls, Le Roux added: “To be honest, I didn’t think I’d ever be a Bull. My dad has been a big Blue Bulls supporter from when I was young. Obviously living in Cape Town and being a Bull supporter is a little dangerous with all the WP supporters down there!
“It’s just funny, the ride and where it takes you and how you get there, and now I’m a Blue Bull. I’m enjoying it so much … The guys are unbelievable, the coaching staff, everyone.
“It’s just 35 degrees every day when you train so it’s tough and something to get used to! But all the games I’ve played for the Springboks at Loftus has been a vibe… the people come out in their numbers and support so I can’t wait to play my first game.”
KEO: Willie worth Jake’s bullish investment
“There’s no test for the heart” 💙 Double World Cup winner Willie Le Roux sat down with us on the official Vodacom Bulls podcast 🐂
Watch the FULL episode here: https://t.co/LW6V54AnZH@vodacom pic.twitter.com/soa8vLAYos
— Official Blue Bulls (@BlueBullsRugby) November 24, 2023
Photo: @BlueBullsRugby/Twitter