Johan Ackermann takes the reins as head coach of the Bulls
UNITED RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP
Former Lions coach Johan Ackemann will succeed Jake White as coach of the Bulls.
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Johan Ackermann secured the top job as head coach of the Bulls after the South African franchise named him as Jake White’s successor on Wednesday.
Ackermann, currently assisting the Junior Springboks at the World Rugby U20 Championship as a consultant, will formally be unveiled next week by the Blue Bulls Company.
The former Springbok recently returned home after coaching in England and Japan. Before that, he took the Lions to three consecutive Super Rugby finals in 2016, 2017 and 2018. Now, though, he will be in the blue colours of the Bulls who have been putting together a formidable squad ahead of the new United Rugby Championship and European Champions Cup tournaments.
“I got goosebumps when I received the call, it is a dream come true,” Ackermann said from Italy where the Junior Boks are currently preparing for the final against New Zealand.
“It still feels too good to be true. I’m like a Grade 1 going to school for the first time. I’m so excited; it’s a privilege and an honour. It’s a great union with wonderful traditions and supporters. Eighty percent of my friends are Bulls supporters.
“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 from 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.”
Ackermann was crowned South African Coach of the Year three times and brings a wealth of experience to Loftus Versfeld. After the Bulls recently stuttered for the third time in the URC finals, the pressure will be on him in his first season in Pretoria.
However, he will embrace the task at hand.
Edgar Rathbone, CEO of the Bulls, said they are happy to welcome Ackermann home.
“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.”