Curwin Bosch hopes Bulls move can revive Springbok ambitions

Curwin Bosch says his move to the Bulls has renewed his determination to win a recall to the Springboks, with the fly-half insisting his international ambitions remain as strong as ever.

Bosch is among the Bulls’ latest recruits ahead of the new United Rugby Championship season, which begins in September. The 28-year-old returned to South Africa after spending two years in France with Brive following his departure from the Sharks.

He has won two Test caps for the Springboks, although his most recent appearance for South Africa came in 2018 against Wales. Despite the lengthy absence from the international set-up, Bosch says representing his country remains a major motivation.

“One hundred percent. The day those ambitions go away, I’ll stop playing rugby,” Bosch said.

The fly-half believes performances, rather than statements about his goals, will determine whether he comes back into consideration for the Springboks.

“It doesn’t really matter what you say. It’s what you produce on the field. Those actions will speak for everything else.”

Bosch has previously featured in more than one position, including at full-back, but said he intends to concentrate on playing fly-half with the Bulls.

Asked where he feels most comfortable, Bosch made clear that fly-half remains his preferred role.

“I’ll always prefer playing flyhalf,” Bosch reflected when asked about his best position.

“Getting the ball into my hands and running the show, that’s when I’m at my best.”

His immediate focus will be on Saturday’s meeting with the All Blacks in Pretoria, when Bosch is expected to start at fly-half for the Bulls.

The match kicks off at 19:00 and will give Bosch an early opportunity to demonstrate what he can offer in his new surroundings. His performances for the Bulls will be closely linked to his hopes of returning to the Springboks, but Bosch acknowledges that those aspirations can only be strengthened through what he delivers on the field.

The move to Pretoria represents a fresh phase in Bosch’s career after his time with Brive. Having last played for South Africa in 2018, he now wants his contribution for the Bulls to provide the foundation for another international opportunity.

For Bosch, however, the objective is straightforward: establish himself at fly-half, produce consistently and keep alive the possibility of wearing green and gold again.