Bulls grant Marais 'leave'

Barend van Graan, CEO of the BBCo, explained that this action is merely the next step in the turnaround strategy. This follows the continued unfolding of a turnaround strategy that the BBCo announced earlier this year.

"We are working hard to ensure the sustainable and long-term success of the Bulls and Blue Bulls, as we continue striving towards achieving success and restoring trust and faith in our brand," Van Graan said.

John Mitchell will take over the reigns and be the head coach as well as take control of the attack and exits for the Currie Cup team. Hayden Groepes will be in charge of the skills and kicking department while Tuks head coach Pote Human looks after the line-outs.

Gary Botha looks after the scrums while Pine Pienaar will take charge of the defence for all the teams, both junior and senior. Jacus Coetzee (Head Weekly Tactical Periodisation (WTP) and Rehab), Ghafoer Luckan (Senior Strength and Conditioning Assistant) will take the lead in Strength and conditioning.

"I believe this step furthermore grants us the opportunity to cross pollinate within our structures, ensuring what coaches have learnt whilst being involved at senior rugby levels is transferred throughout the entire system and structure, thus benefiting at all levels.  We urge our supporters and fans to rally behind the team by coming out and showing their support," Van Graan added.

The BBCo confirmed the following management teams for the remainder of the 2017 season:

Currie Cup:

Head Coach, Attack, Exits: John Mitchell

Skills and Kicking: Hayden Groepes

Lineouts: Pote Human

Scrums: Gary Botha

Defence (All teams, junior and senior): Pine Pienaar

Strength and Conditioning: Jacus Coetzee (Head Weekly Tactical Periodisation (WTP) and Rehab), Ghafoer Luckan (Senior Strength and Conditioning assistant)

Under-21:

Head Coach: David Manuel

Backline Coach: Bevin Fortuin

Forward Coach: Anton Leonard

Strength and Conditioning: Shaun du Toit

Under-19:

Head Coach and Backline: Dewey Swartbooi

Forward Coach: Denzil Frans

Strength and Conditioning: Henri-Charl Terblanche, Yusuf Vahed (Junior Strength and Conditioning Assistant)