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Pressure mounts as Ludwig leads Bulls in make-or-break Connacht tour clash

The Star

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October 17, 2025

A HERNIATED disc in his lower back - on two levels - kept young Bulls captain Reinhardt Ludwig out of rugby for almost half a year.

- LEIGHTON KOOPMAN

After making his return as a replacement in last weekend's defeat to Ulster, the 23-year-old will now be thrust straight back into the spotlight, carrying the pressure of leading the side against Connacht tonight (kickoff 8.45pm) in a must-win United Rugby Championship (URC) clash.

It will be the Bulls' second away match following their 28-7 loss in Belfast, and Ludwig will share the responsibility with the senior players to help the team bounce back and salvage their tour.

This isn't the first time Ludwig has captained the Bulls in the URC - he previously led the team against the Sharks and Lions last season - but this occasion brings added pressure as the Loftus outfit desperately chase a result to reignite their campaign. Another defeat could see them slide further down the URC log.

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