Ackermann named Bulls coach with immediate effect

The Vodacom Bulls have named seasoned coach Johan Ackermann as their head coach with immediate effect.

Ackermann, who is currently assisting the Junior Boks in their quest to win the Junior World Championship in Italy, will join the team on his return to South Africa next week.

The former Lions coach, who led the team to two Super Rugby finals and built the Lions into a force in the mid 2010s, has been coaching in Japan in recent times after a stint with Gloucester in the English Premiership.

Ackermann, who started his career at the Bulls as a player, still lives in Pretoria and was on a shortlist of coaches put forward to the Board of Directors that included Bath head coach Johann van Graan, Glasgow Warriors head coach Franco Smith and former Springbok and current Leinster assistant coach Jacques Nienaber.

Ackermann is a three time South African coach of the year and was also the SA A coach during his coaching tenure. An exceptional player manager, Ackermann has a long history with the Bulls and will fit in well with the culture.

“He’s the right person at the right time,” said Willem Strauss, president of the Blue Bulls Rugby Union. “He’s a Carlton League legend, he played his first test at Loftus, he played for the Bulls, his blood is blue. This was always meant to be. His management of people and ability to drive culture are renowned.”

It was a view echoed by Edgar Rathbone, the chief executive of the Blue Bulls Company.

“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 Vodacom 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.”

MANAGEMENT TEAM DISCUSSIONS

In a way it is not surprising the Bulls decided to go for Ackermann over the other three. For one he was the only candidate not currently in a long-term contract with another club and secondly, after the fallout that led to the exit of former World Cup winning coach Jake White, and the player revolt that caused it, it always would make sense to have a man-manager there rather than a more technical coach.

Ackermann will also discuss the rest of his management team when he gets to Pretoria next week, with a final decision to be taken then.

Speaking from Italy, where he is assisting the Junior Springboks ahead of the final of the World Rugby U20 Championship, Ackermann described his appointment 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.”

“It’s a great union with wonderful tradition and supporters. Eighty per cent of my friends are Bulls supporters. The Vodacom 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.”

Ackermann’s journey through rugby is one of resilience, transformation, and quiet authority.

Born in Benoni in 1970, he forged a robust playing career as a lock, earning 13 test caps for the Springboks between 1996 and 2007. His relentless physicality and grit made him a formidable presence, and his final appearance at age 37 crowned him the oldest debutante in Springbok history.

After retiring in 2008, Ackermann transitioned seamlessly into coaching, beginning with the Lions in Johannesburg. Initially appointed as forwards coach, he took over as head coach in 2013, and ushered in a bold new era. Under his stewardship, the Lions reached two consecutive Super Rugby finals.

His teams played expansive, high-tempo rugby grounded in discipline and player empowerment. He cultivated a culture of respect and trust, transforming overlooked talent into Springboks and rekindling pride in the Lions jersey.

Ackermann’s tactical acumen and emotional intelligence earned him acclaim and international recognition. He led the SA ‘A’ side in 2016 and 2017 before joining Gloucester in England, where he guided the club to a Challenge Cup final and a Premiership semifinal.

In Japan, he continued to leave his mark with the Red Hurricanes and Urayasu D-Rocks, bringing cohesion and values-based leadership to diverse squads.

Ackermann returned to South African rugby earlier this year as a coaching consultant for the SA under-20s.His influence extends far beyond the field. Steeped in faith and shaped by his time in the police force, he values character and resilience as deeply as tactics.

Whether developing young talent or rebuilding team identity, he remains a coach who builds champions, and good men, at the same time.

Ackermann will be formally unveiled to the media in Pretoria next week.