Former Northampton second row Juandre Kruger has set his sights on challenging for silverware after moving back to the Bulls.
Former Saints lock wants to win Super Rugby and Currie Cup titles
Former Northampton second row Juandre Kruger has set his sights on challenging for silverware after moving back to the Bulls.
The 24-year-old enjoyed two highly successful seasons at the Saints before deciding to head back to Pretoria to the Super 14 champions.
And Kruger, tipped as a natural successor to Bulls legend Victor Matfield, wants to play a big part in leading Frans Ludeke's side to further honours.
"It's an exciting time and I've got a new challenge which lies ahead of me now," Kruger said.
"I've come back to play for the Bulls, they're a great side. I want to be challenging for Currie Cup and Super 14 titles and prove myself on that level after learning so much overseas.
"I'm looking forward to playing a substantial role for the Bulls and help to make sure we keep the trophy in Pretoria.
"I had a taste (of Currie Cup rugby) in 2008 but the Sharks took it so I'd really like to win it. The majority of the Bulls have already won it so for me it's very important we keep winning - I want to be a part of a winning culture."
Awesome
Despite leaving Franklin's Gardens at the end of the season, Kruger was full of praise for the club.
"My time at the Saints was awesome," he said.
"I was able to play in all the European competitions and my lock partners were all international calibre. I played alongside (Carlos Ignacio Fernández) Lobbe a lot and learnt so much - not only as a player, but as a person as well.
"A lot of forwards who go overseas learn a lot and they come back better forwards. At Northampton we were lucky to have a very strong pack of forwards - a real dominant pack, like the Bulls."
Kruger, though, is now hoping that a return to his native South Africa will help him fulfil his ambition of playing for the Springboks.
"I believe I can just keep developing as a player now with the Bulls and for me that is a hugely exciting part of my move as well," he added.
"Obviously I've got personal goals as well. Like any professional rugby player I want to play international rugby in the future as well."
