The Vodacom Bulls have included Edgar Marutlulle among the management team that will assist Gert Smal during the 2022 Currie Cup.

The former journeyman hooker has been tasked with coaching the scrum as the Bulls ready to defend their domestic championship under Smal, the veteran coach and former Springbok flank who last month joined the Bulls from Toyota Verblitz.

Smal’s coaching staff includes Pine Pienaar (defence coach), Hayden Groepes (backs and attack coach) and 34-year-old Marutlulle who joined the Bulls as a player in 2016 on a three-year contract.

“We are privileged at the Bulls to have a number of talented coaches within our structures,” said director of rugby Jake White.

“A knowledgeable coach like Gert will certainly find comfort in being surrounded by an experienced coach like Pine Pienaar, a hard-working and committed individual like Hayden Groepes and one of the most promising players-turned-coach in Edgar Marutlulle.

“We have no doubt that this team of coaches and the squad of players that we have will continue to fly the Bulls flag high in the Carling Currie Cup this year.”

The Bulls begin their title defence against the Pumas in Nelspruit on Friday.

Bulls Currie Cup coaching staff:
Head coach – Gert Smal
Defence – Pine Pienaar
Backs & attack – Hayden Groepes
Scrummaging – Edgar Marutlulle