Bulls coach confirms Springbok interest in in-form Embrose Papier

By SABC Sport
9th May 2026

Embrose Papier's impressive performances for the Bulls this season have not gone unnoticed by the Springbok setup, coach Johan Ackermann has revealed.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Ackermann said that, despite not yet receiving an official invitation to a Springbok alignment camp, national team management has already reached out to the veteran scrumhalf.

Papier has played himself back into Springbok contention in the eyes of many as he continues to deliver standout displays in the URC and other competitions.

"I think they [the Springbok management] have made contact with him," Ackermann said.

"There hasn't been another camp, but they have made contact with him so I'm sure they're keeping an eye on him.

"They've chatted to him about some of things he needs to improve on. That's good news for us because it means they're looking at him, but nothing is for certain.

"Hopefully Embrose can just keep playing the way he's playing and the rest is out of his control."

The 29-year-old Papier, who made his Springbok debut years ago but has not featured for the national side since 2018, has enjoyed a strong renaissance in recent seasons.

He is currently second on the URC try-scoring charts with nine tries - behind only Evan Roos - underlining his influence from the scrumhalf position.

His form will also be celebrated this weekend when he makes his 170th appearance for the Bulls against Zebre, moving him past Springbok icon Joost van der Westhuizen as the franchise's most capped scrumhalf.

Ackermann was full of praise for his No 9, highlighting both his on-field impact and personal qualities.

"He was outstanding at school and obviously took it forward in his professional career," he said. "He's a very quiet person but he's a really exceptional 9.

"The outstanding factors for me are his support play and his speed. The fact that he's in such good form for us is great, because that was in many matches the deciding factor."

As the season nears its conclusion, all eyes will be on Papier to see if he can maintain his high standards and earn what would be a significant comeback to the green and gold.