The Bulls have appointed former Springbok lock and Lions coach Johan Ackermann as their new head coach. He takes over from Jake White with whom the team parted ways after this year’s United Rugby Championship. Ackermann, who is the three-time South African Coach of the Year, brings to Loftus Versfeld elite-level experience, having coached both locally and overseas. He is currently the Junior Springboks’ assistant coach, who qualified for the final of World Rugby’s Under 20 Championship in Italy. Bulls CEO Edgar Rathbone says Ackermann is not just an outstanding coach. He says his reputation for forging powerful team cultures, developing players to their full potential and delivering results at the highest level is well proven. 🚨 Official: Johan Ackermann is the new Head Coach of the Vodacom Bulls! 🐃 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 — Official Blue Bulls (@BlueBullsRugby) July 16, 2025