Vodacom Bulls assistant coach Gary Gold says he is looking forward to being part of a championship team at this stage of his career and that it played a major part in his decision to join the Pretoria franchise.

After a strong start to their Vodacom United Rugby Championship campaign where they achieved a resounding victory over the Scarlets at home, the Vodacom Bulls face a stern away test as they now travel north for four fixtures against Ulster, Zebre Parma, Cardiff Rugby and Edinburgh.

Gold – a veteran coach with vast experience in Europe, Japan, the United States and South Africa – says he is relishing the challenge to come and being part of a team that he believes can win trophies.

“I’m really excited to be spending time with a franchise that is such a special organisation. Over the past few years I’ve been involved with either keeping a team like the Worcester Warriors out of relegation or helping the United States get to the Rugby World Cup, and where you’re the underdogs. So the thing that’s really exciting me is to be working with a team that can win trophies,” said Gold.

“I’m really excited about the coaching methodology here and the thinking behind the way we’re training is quite different. I really like it.”

Having started his coaching career when the game was only taking its first steps to becoming professional, Gold has experienced a variety of top competitions and the evolution of rugby at the highest level. And he is full of praise for the Vodacom United Rugby Championship and its impact on the game.

“Having coached in Vodacom Super Rugby for many years, you were always coaching with one hand tied behind your back because that trip to Australia or New Zealand was almost double as hard as any other trip. The Vodacom United Rugby Championship makes much more sense. I think it was very sensible and will be highly beneficial for both hemispheres. South African teams are really getting regular exposure to the top teams and some quite challenging environments as well.”