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Front rower Gerhard Steenekamp extended his Bulls stay by a further four years, which will see him remain with the Pretoria franchise until the end of 2028.
Since arriving at Loftus as a youngster, the former Potchefstroom Gymnasium captain has become an instrumental figure in the forward pack. Over the years, Stenenekamp has progressed through the junior ranks, representing the franchise at the under-19 and under-21 levels before breaking into the senior setup. 'Gerrie' has since gone on to represent the herd in 66 matches across the Currie Cup, Rainbow Cup, Super Rugby and Super Rugby Unlocked competitions.
The 2021 Currie Cup winner has added a further 48 caps since the beginning of the United Rugby Championship and Investec Champions Cup respective eras, taking his overall franchise caps to a whopping 114 over 8 years.
Speaking about his decision to continue playing rugby under the skies of the capital, Steenekamp said: "I have been enjoying my time playing for the Bulls and I am glad that the opportunity came to extend my time in Tshwane, I grabbed it with both hands.
"I have found this to be a very family-oriented space where our wives and kids are a part of the whole system. It hasn't been just me but also my wife supporting me every weekend and my daughter giving me another reason to do my best, so in that sense, the Bulls has been an awesome club to play at.
"There is an awesome culture with a group of players, coaching staff and management that is all aligned and making it easier to enjoy my time here and wearing the jersey."
With more than a century of appearances for the club, Steenekamp has a few highlights to date but a few sit atop of his list.
"I must say that every game that I put on the jersey is a highlight for me but maybe to single out a few, I would say my Super Rugby debut at Newlands back in 2019," he continued.
"This is followed by beating Leinster away in the semi-final of the URC. Two weekends ago playing in front of a packed Loftus was an unbelievable feeling."
Steenekamp remembers - with fondness - his mother's tears after his first day at Loftus as he reflects on his eight-year journey to date.
"I arrived here as an eighth man and was told I would be signed as a loosehead prop. I was very excited to play prop but the whole way back home my mom cried because she was afraid for her son's neck. Since then it has been a dream come true, from the first day we started training to where I am now, I cannot believe all of the experiences I have had."
As he looks ahead, the former SA under 20 says he looks forward to "helping the brand continue to grow."
"I just want to give my best to the club because this club looks after me and I have to give everything that I have for the Bulls, my family, the fans and everyone that supports us, that is the biggest thing for me. I feel that the club has done their part by contracting me for another three years and now all I can do is give my best in every game and every second."
