# Vodacom Bulls United Rugby Championship campaign

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/vodacom-bulls-united-rugby-championship-campaign
> Updated: 2026-09-26T18:16:19.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 2.

The Vodacom Bulls began their United Rugby Championship campaign with an away match against Zebre at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi. Head coach Johan Ackermann selected a 26-man squad featuring veteran players like Willie le Roux and captain Marcell Coetzee, aiming to establish early momentum to secure a top-four position.

The Bulls secured a 47-13 victory in their season opener. Although Zebre initially led through a penalty by Tommaso Allan, the momentum shifted following a yellow card to Zebre lock Matteo Canali. The Bulls capitalized on the advantage with a penalty try and eventually scored seven tries in total. Key performances included Curwin Bosch on conversions and Paul de Wet, who scored after an interception.

## Claims

- The Bulls defeated Zebre 47-13 in the United Rugby Championship opening round. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The Bulls scored seven tries during the match. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Tommaso Allan scored the opening points for Zebre via a penalty kick. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Matteo Canali received a yellow card. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The Bulls were awarded a penalty try in the 25th or 26th minute. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Alessandro Fusco scored a try for Zebre. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Curwin Bosch converted multiple tries for the Bulls. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The match took place at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi in Parma. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-26: Bulls defeat Zebre 47-13 to open United Rugby Championship campaign

The Bulls secured a commanding 47-13 victory over Zebre in Parma to begin their United Rugby Championship season, scoring seven tries to overcome the Italian side.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bulls-defeat-zebre-47-13-to-open-united-rugby-championship-campaign

### 2026-09-22: Vodacom Bulls prepare for United Rugby Championship opener against Zebre

The Vodacom Bulls begin their United Rugby Championship season this Saturday against Zebre, with coach Johan Ackermann seeking early momentum to secure a top-four finish.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vodacom-bulls-prepare-for-united-rugby-championship-opener-against-zebre

---
Cite as: Vodacom Bulls United Rugby Championship campaign. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/vodacom-bulls-united-rugby-championship-campaign