Bulls confirm Pote Human’s exit
Pote Human, coach of Bulls during the 2019 Super Rugby match between Bulls and Chiefs at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria on 23 March 2019
The Bulls have confirmed that their coach, Pote Human, is leaving the club with immediate effect, the Pretoria-based outfit announced on Friday.
The Blue Bulls Company confirmed that it has come to a mutual agreement with Human regarding the early termination of his contract, which was due to end in October 2020.
Human’s departure from the three-time Super Rugby champions follows appointment of their new director of rugby, Jake White, who will take over the team’s on-field coaching.
The Blue Bulls Company said via a press statement they were “open and transparent” in informing Human that his contract would not be extended beyond October.
“Given the current situation, with no rugby expected to be played in the near future, both parties mutually agreed on exiting with immediate effect, thus also allowing Human extra time with his future planning,” the statement read.
“Human made an impact from schools and Varsity Cup through to the Blue Bulls junior teams, coaching abroad in Japan, heading up two Currie Cup teams, winning a Super Rugby tournament as one of Heyneke Meyer’s assistants in 2007 and building a phenomenal team in 2019 that showed true grit to make it to the play-offs.”
🗣️ "The player’s agent sent through an instruction that Johnny would be exercising his right within the 21-day period to leave." #SuperRugby
🐂 Johnny Kotze and Bulls part ways. 👉 https://t.co/faqUH7UwSF pic.twitter.com/8u7p1meKo5
— Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) April 27, 2020
Alfons Meyer, CEO of the Blue Bulls Company heaped praise on Human’s efforts.
“Human is known as more than a coach at Loftus and has influenced the lives and careers of players and staff alike,” he said.
“He is a nurturer and a mentor and has made a lasting impact on many great players. Pote is an absolute gentleman of the game and has been an asset to the Bulls.
“However, it is time for us to part ways, and we wish him everything of the best with his journey ahead.”
Human thanked the Blue Bulls Company for many great years at the union.
“My time at Loftus has been amazing to say the least,” he said. “It has been an emotional roller coaster, with many highs and lows… but through it all, I have made friendships and memories that I will treasure forever.
“I have dedicated my life to this beautiful game and trust me there is no better place to do that, than at Loftus Versfeld. I would sincerely like to thank the Blue Bulls Company for giving me the opportunity to live my dreams and for affording me the privilege to work with some truly amazing people.
“I’d like to wish them every success going forward. It is important for Jake to get the backing and support from all stakeholders. He certainly has my support and I wish him all of the best.”