The Vodacom Bulls have been boosted by the return to fitness of several players a month before they play their opening Vodacom Super Rugby match against the Stormers.

Wing Travis Ismaiel, flanks Roelof Smit and Tim Agaba, fullback Warrick Gelant and loosehead prop Lizo Gqoboka are all over their respective injuries and will be fit for the first match of the season on 16 February in Pretoria.

However, the Bulls will be without flyhalf Marnitz Boshoff, flank Marco van Staden (shoulder) and hooker Edgar Marutlulle (ankle), who will all miss the opening month of the season.

Meanwhile, Jaco Visagie has returned from his successful short-term loan to English Premiership side Gloucester with an ankle niggle and will be consulting with a specialist in Cape Town. Other injury doubts surround youngsters Jano Venter, Aston Fortuin and Gerhard Steenkamp.