The 26-year-old Uys will join the Bulls for the season, giving him another opportunity to ply his trade in the URC. It will also be something of a homecoming for the product of Affies.

Last year, after the Griquas won the Currie Cup final at Ellis Park, Uys linked up with the Lions as a loan player, along with loosehead prop Eddie Davids. Unfortunately for Uys, an injury ruled him out of the URC, denying him the opportunity to experience the next level of the game.

Janco Uys during the 2025 Currie Cup final at Ellis Park. Photo: Morgan Piek

Now, he has another chance – and one he intends to make the most of.

Uys is the hero for the Griquas after scoring the match-winning try in Saturday’s Currie Cup final, as they beat the Pumas 23-16 in Kimberley to successfully defend their title.

He did, however, miss a sizeable portion of the Griquas’ Currie Cup campaign due to an Achilles injury, but returned at the business end of the season to play a decisive role in their title defence.

He is not the only Griquas hooker heading out on loan, with Tiaan Lange, the leading try-scorer in the Currie Cup, linking up with the Lions.

Uys told OFM Sport that the opportunity to play for the Bulls, where he played his junior rugby, is one he is relishing. He is also looking forward to measuring himself against a host of Springboks in Johan Ackermann’s setup.

“To get to the point, last year was my first opportunity, as we can call it. The injury was a bit of a setback when I was at the Lions and kept me from playing, but luckily, along with a lot of guys, I’ve gotten a second opportunity at the Bulls, which is one that I’m really looking forward to,” said Uys.

“I’m just looking to improve myself every day and test myself.

“The Bulls are a team that has played in four URC finals and is laden with Boks, so that in itself will test me and also improve me, which is something I look forward to quite a lot.

“Getting a taste of playing against top teams from overseas in the URC is something I really look forward to, to see where I’m at as a player. I’ll just be willing to better myself every day here over the coming months.

Tiaan Lange. Photo: Morgan Piek

“It’s something I’m really looking forward to and testing myself.

“All in all, I’m just looking forward to it and making the most of this opportunity that’s been given to me.”

Lange, who is a very different type of hooker to Uys and brings plenty of energy to the park, told OFM Sport that he is equally excited to get an opportunity with last season’s South African conference winners.

“Yeah, no, definitely, it’s a massive opportunity, and I’m very privileged and very grateful to be here,” said Lange.

“It’s definitely a massive step up, and it’s going to take a lot of hard work, grafting, and just staying ready and staying fresh.

“When I get my chance and my opportunity, I want to use it; it’s a massive opportunity, and I’m looking forward to the new challenge.”

The 2026/27 URC kicks off next weekend, with the Bulls facing Zebre in Parma, while the Lions, in turn, will tackle the defending champions, Leinster, at Ellis Park.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cvs