Springbok lock Nortjé made his long-awaited return to the field following an injury he sustained before the Scotland Test in Edinburgh during last year’s end-of-year tour to the United Kingdom.

Ruan Nortjé. Photo: Morgan Piek

Nortjé played in the Bulls’ 48-7 win against Stade Français at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, helping the team break their four-match winless streak. White highlighted the 26-year-old second-rower’s significant impact on the team and marvelled at his development as a player.

“He has grown tremendously and is the player who has developed the most during my time here,” said White.

“When I first picked him as captain, I remember sitting at this table, and people were looking at me like I was crazy. He has come a long way despite not playing Craven Week or coming through the junior ranks.

“All of a sudden, when you see firsthand his value on the field, the difference between him being there and what we’ve achieved over the last few weeks is immeasurable.”

White added, “I didn’t want him to play 80 minutes in his first game back, so I had to manage that carefully. But he has shown that by playing international rugby, he can keep improving. That’s all you want.

Ruan Nortjé. Photo: Morgan Piek

“You want players in the team to go and play internationally, then return and bring that value back to the club.

“I’m over the moon that he hasn’t re-injured himself. I’m also thrilled that what he has learned at international rugby is rubbing off on the other players.”

Saturday's Jukskei derby between the Lions and the Bulls at Ellis Park kicks off at 14:45.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh