The Vodacom Bulls have welcomed back several key players ahead of their match against the Chiefs at Loftus on Saturday.

Bulls team doctor Herman Rossouw confirmed via his weekly injury report that six players – Marco van Staden, Travis Ismaiel, Ruan Steenkamp, Jaco Visagie, Aston Fortuin and Burger Odendaal – will all be available for selection this week.

Two others – Eli Snyman and Johnny Kötze – are also back in training, but a call on their fitness and availability for selection will be made later in the week.

‘Marco and Travis have recovered completely, as well as Ruan, who has recovered from concussion,’ Rossouw said.

‘Jaco has recovered fully from his ankle surgery and will also be available for selection, as will Aston [sprained toe] and Burger [sprained chest].

‘Eli Snyman is back to training fully with the team after his AC injury and Johnny Kötze has recovered well from meningitis and is starting team training this week. We’ll see how his fitness looks after a four-week period out and make a call on him later in the week.’

Rossouw also gave an update on the Bulls long-term injury casualties.

‘Duncan Matthews and RG Snyman are still out for about two weeks, And then our long-term injuries for more than six weeks include Lood de Jager, Marco Janse van Vuren, Marnitz Boshoff and Edgar Marutlulle.’

Photo: Anton Geyser/Gallo Images