The Bulls confirmed at the weekend that they have instituted a "turnaround plan" to improve the franchise's performances on and off the field.

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This follows a disastrous season in which the Pretoria outfit have lost seven of their 10 Super Rugby matches this season – including the embarrassment of being the first South African team to lose to the Sunwolves.

There was also the record 24-62 loss to the Crusaders a fortnight ago – the Bulls' biggest defeat at Loftus Versfeld.

"As a first step in the implementation of its turnaround, the Bulls management is embarking on wide-ranging consultation," Blue Bulls Company said in a statement.

Although The Blue Bulls Company will be communicating the progress of this process in due course as we move forward.

Although the Blue Bulls Company said it will be communicating the progress of this process "in due course", Meyer has already made his first public appearance since being axed as Bok coach after the 2015 World Cup.

Meyer's appearance at the Bulls media briefing last week, where he sat in the background, may be the first indication that he will be part of the turnaround process – as he implemented the systems that ensured a similar turnaround 15 years ago.

From a winless 2002 Super 12 season, when the Bulls finished last, they went on to win he first of their three Super Rugby titles five years later.

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Meyer's systems were also credited for the 2009 and 2010 titles, even though he had moved on into a managerial role – but kept 'advising' another good friend Frans Ludeke, who was the coach at the time.

Marais, at the media briefing last week, not only acknowledged Meyer's presence, bur credited him for having given plenty f input ahead of a more credible performance in a 10-17 loss to the Highlanders at the weekend – the defeat coming through an injury time try by Highlanders wing Waisake Naholo.

The BBC statement confirmed there will be widespread consultations with former players and coaches.

"The economic headwinds in South Africa are very strong and the consequent financial effects contribute to the challenges faced by the Bulls and rugby in SA," the Bulls statement said.

"Most importantly however, we acknowledge weaknesses that have been exposed in our system, including on the field of play; reflecting in our results and the performance of the team.

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"We have to change, improve and most importantly put a process in place to ensure the success of the turnaround.

"As a first step we will be taking advice from various role players in the industry, former players, coaches and various other forums, to ensure we implement the best possible solution.

"Furthermore we will also be engaging the support of all the role players in the implementation of this plan through the turnaround process.

"The Blue Bulls Company will be communicating the progress of this process in due course as we move forward."

@rugby365com

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