Bulls lose Louden

Blue Bulls rugby suffered a crippling blow on Friday when backline coach Todd Louden resigned with immediate effect. Louden cited personal reasons for his resignation and will return to Australia.

This season Louden’s work with the Bulls backline in the Super 14 turned the Pretoria franchise from a pretender into a contender and then a somewhat unlikely champion when the Bulls beat the Sharks in the final at Absa Stadium in Durban.

Confirming his resignation Friday, Louden said: “I have struggled with the decision for a while and it is by no means a decision I have come to lightly. I cite increasing family matters for my resignation,” he said.

“I have placed my family second to rugby over the years but increasing family issues must now take priority back in Australia.

“I wish the Blue Bulls well in their Currie Cup campaign and believe I have been enriched by my role with the team,” he said.

Louden joined the Bulls in November last year from Australia and played a significant part in the success of the Bulls’ backline in winning the Super 14 trophy.

“We understand the reasons Todd has given us, and as the Bulls are a family, we understand family comes first,” Bulls Chief Executive Barend van Graan said.

“But we would like to thank him for all his hard work and for the positive influence he has had on the side.”

Bulls head coach Heyneke Meyer paid tribute to the work Louden did with the side.

“Todd has managed to add a new dimension to our play. He fostered the self belief in our backline and made them one of the best attacking weapons in the Super 14 competition. His countless hours and passion for the game has rubbed off on us all, and for that we are sorry to see him leave.

“But having said that, Todd will always remain a part of the Blue Bulls family and he is always welcome at Loftus Versfeld.”

Sapa-AFP