It's official: the Bulls have roped in Johan Ackermann to lead the team into the future, following Jake White's departure after a successful stint that saw the team reaching three United Rugby Championship finals. Ackermann, a former Springboks lock and a revered figure in South African rugby, is set to take the helm at the Pretoria-based club next season.
Ackermann's appointment has been met with enthusiasm from the Bulls' top brass, with Bulls president Willem Strauss confidently stating, "He’s the right person at the right time." Strauss further emphasized Ackermann’s deep roots with the club, recalling his significant milestones, including playing his first Test at Loftus and his days as a player for the Bulls.
"Johan Ackermann is not just an outstanding coach; he is a leader who lives and breathes the values of this union."
Indeed, the search for White’s successor saw several notable names being considered, including former Springboks head coach Jacques Nienaber and coaches Johann van Graan and Franco Smith. However, Bulls’ chief executive Edgar Rathbone echoed Strauss’s sentiments, affirming they had secured the perfect candidate for the job.
The new coach himself couldn't hide his excitement about his new role. Ackermann confessed,
"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."
He also acknowledged the weight of expectations at such a prestigious club, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to lead a team he believes is already poised for greatness.
Ackermann's coaching repertoire is impressive, having led the Lions to two Super Rugby finals and overseeing stints in England and Japan before returning to South Africa to contribute as a coaching consultant for the SA U20s. With the Bulls, he's set to begin yet another chapter in his illustrious career, surrounded by new signings such as Handre Pollard and the experienced Marvin Orie, aiming to fortify the Bulls' legacy of success.
As the Bulls prepare for the upcoming URC campaign and the Currie Cup with Ackermann at the helm, the excitement within the club and among its fans is palpable, setting the stage for what could be an exhilarating era under a truly home-grown rugby hero.
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It's official: the Bulls have roped in Johan Ackermann to lead the team into the future, following Jake White's departure after a successful stint that saw the team reaching three United Rugby Championship finals. Ackermann, a former Springboks lock and a revered figure in South African rugby, is set to take the helm at the Pretoria-based club next season.
Ackermann's appointment has been met with enthusiasm from the Bulls' top brass, with Bulls president Willem Strauss confidently stating, "He’s the right person at the right time." Strauss further emphasized Ackermann’s deep roots with the club, recalling his significant milestones, including playing his first Test at Loftus and his days as a player for the Bulls.
"Johan Ackermann is not just an outstanding coach; he is a leader who lives and breathes the values of this union."
Indeed, the search for White’s successor saw several notable names being considered, including former Springboks head coach Jacques Nienaber and coaches Johann van Graan and Franco Smith. However, Bulls’ chief executive Edgar Rathbone echoed Strauss’s sentiments, affirming they had secured the perfect candidate for the job.
The new coach himself couldn't hide his excitement about his new role. Ackermann confessed,
"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."
He also acknowledged the weight of expectations at such a prestigious club, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to lead a team he believes is already poised for greatness.Ackermann's coaching repertoire is impressive, having led the Lions to two Super Rugby finals and overseeing stints in England and Japan before returning to South Africa to contribute as a coaching consultant for the SA U20s. With the Bulls, he's set to begin yet another chapter in his illustrious career, surrounded by new signings such as Handre Pollard and the experienced Marvin Orie, aiming to fortify the Bulls' legacy of success.
As the Bulls prepare for the upcoming URC campaign and the Currie Cup with Ackermann at the helm, the excitement within the club and among its fans is palpable, setting the stage for what could be an exhilarating era under a truly home-grown rugby hero.