Ex-Springbok Johan Ackerman named new head coach at Vodacom Bulls: ‘I got goosebumps!’
Ackerman says the call-up feels ‘too good to be true’.
Picture: Pixabay.com
Former Springbok player and three-time South African Coach of the Year Johan Ackerman will take up the helm at the Vodacom Bulls.
He takes over from Jake White, who parted ways with the Pretoria club with immediate effect at the end of the season.
🚨 Official: Johan Ackermann is the new Head Coach of the Vodacom Bulls! 🐃
— Official Blue Bulls (@BlueBullsRugby) July 16, 2025
A former Vodacom Bulls player, Springbok and 3x SA Coach of the Year 🏆
💬 “His blood is blue.”
💬 “A dream come true.”
FULL PRESS RELEASE: https://t.co/VAd36PxWt8#ForeverBlue pic.twitter.com/6K1H7fQcV3
Ackerman brings a wealth of knowledge to Loftus Verfeld, having coached locally and internationally.
He was recently part of the technical team for the South Africa U20s.
He says the call-up felt ‘too good to be true’.
“The moment I received the call, I got goose bumps, it still feels too good to be true. I’m like a Grade 1 [learner] going to school for the first time. I’m so excited, it’s a privilege and an honour.”
Blue Bulls Rugby Union president Willem Strauss says Ackerman is ‘the right man for the job’.
“He’s a Carlton League legend, he played his first Test at Loftus, he played for the Bulls... his blood is blue.”