Coach Jake White says while the break in play came at just the right time, the Vodacom Bulls are now focused on the challenges that lie ahead in the United Rugby Championship following their return to training.

After close to a year of non-stop rugby, the players enjoyed a break at the end of their opening European tour, which included tough encounters against Leinster, Connacht, Cardiff and Edinburgh.

But the Pretoria-based squad immediately hit the ground running as they returned to training this week ahead of the resumption of the Vodacom United Rugby Championship campaign.

With the home leg of the URC kicking off with a clash against Irish side, Munster, on 27 November, the Bulls began their preparations for the continuation of their 2021/22 season campaign earlier this week.

Commenting on the latest developments, White said: “The break came at the right time for us after a grueling year of rugby. The body and mind needed some time away from rugby for everybody to refresh and connect with their loved ones. That is important for us.”

“We are now back to focus on the work that lies ahead. We have two important matches before the end of the year against Munster and Scarlets (on 3 December ). We look forward to playing some rugby again, especially playing at home at Loftus Versfeld.”