After South African clubs made their debuts in EPCR competitions last season, we look at some of the players who have enjoyed outstanding campaigns and look to make a further impact in 2023/24.
Bernard van der Linde will be looking to continue his impressive ePCR performances in the 2023/24 Champions Cup after announcing himself with a brace of tries for Vodacom Bulls in last season’s competition.
The Pretoria-based side, who made their debut in the EPCR’s elite competition in 2022/23, will play Saracens, Lyon, Bristol Bears and Union Bordeaux-Pegiles in Pool 1 next campaign.
Scrum-half van der Linde may have only featured twice in last season’s Heineken Champions Cup, but his debut in the competition was one to remember.
The 22-year-old played a key role in Vodacom Bulls’ Heineken Champions Cup bow, helping his side to a thrilling 42-36 victory over Lyon at Loftus Versfeld.
Van der Linde scored his first and Vodacom Bulls’ second on seven minutes.
He completed a quick double after 12 minutes, creating a delightful dummy before sailing under the posts unchallenged.
Van der Linde’s second Heineken Champions Cup appearance was less impressive, however, as the Vodacom Bulls suffered a crushing defeat at Exeter Chiefs, but he will be hoping to gain more EPCR experience when next season’s competition kicks off in December.
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