Ackermann takes over as Bulls head coach
He replaces World Cup winning coach Jake White, who left the Pretoria franchise in early July after five years as their director of Rugby.
The Bulls have appointed Johan Ackermann as their new head coach ahead of the upcoming United Rugby Championship season. Picture: Supplied/@BlueBullsRugby on X.com
JOHANNESBURG - The Bulls have appointed Johan Ackermann as their new head coach ahead of the upcoming United Rugby Championship season.
He replaces World Cup-winning coach Jake White, who left the Pretoria franchise in early July after five years as their Director of Rugby.
Ackermann will have a sizeable task on his hands as he takes over from White, who led the team to two Currie Cup titles, the Super Rugby Unlocked trophy and 3 URC finals in 4 years during his tenure.
The former Springbok lock boasts a wealth of experience. He’s a 3-time South African Coach of the Year winner and took the Lions to 2 successive Super Rugby finals in 2016 and 2017 before moving abroad, where he has stints with Gloucester in England and Red Hurricanes and Urayasu D-Rocks.
“Johan Ackermann is not just an outstanding coach; he is a leader who lives and breathes the values of this union. His reputation for forging powerful team cultures, developing players to their full potential, and delivering results at the highest level is well proven. The Bulls are a club built on legacy and ambition, and with Johan at the helm, we are confident our future will be shaped by excellence, resilience, and unity. This appointment marks an exciting new chapter for Bulls rugby, and we are thrilled to welcome him home,” said Blue Bulls Company CEO Edgar Rathbone.
Ackermann is currently in Italy, where he’s part of the coaching staff of the Junior Springboks, who are preparing for the World Rugby Under 20 Championship final against New Zealand on Saturday. He began his playing career at Loftus Versfeld and described the opportunity to coach the team as a dream come true.
“The moment I received the call, I got goose bumps - it still feels too good to be true. I’m like a Grade One going to school for the first time. I’m so excited; it’s a privilege and an honour. The Bulls have been successful for so many years, and now I have that challenge, and I would like to thank the Board for giving me that opportunity. It’s a bit different to my previous roles where I had to help build teams up. The Bulls are already there - now I must make them grow and succeed even more,” said Ackermann.
The Bulls will begin the new URC season at home against the Ospreys on 27 September.