After years of coaching around the world, Johan Ackermann is heading back to familiar ground.
The Pretoria-based Vodacom Bulls have officially named the former Springbok lock as their new head coach for the upcoming 2025/26 season — and fans are already buzzing about the potential.
The announcement comes while Ackermann is still on duty in Italy, helping guide the Junior Springboks through the World Rugby U20 Championship.
But once that tournament wraps, he’ll be trading his Junior Bok gear for Bulls blue.
Goosebumps and Gratitude from the Coach Himself
Speaking from the sidelines of the U20 tournament, Ackermann didn’t hide his excitement.
In fact, he said the moment he got the offer, it gave him goosebumps.
“This is a massive honour,” he shared. “To coach a team with such a rich history and a passionate fan base is something I don’t take lightly.
The Bulls are already in a strong place — my goal is to build on that and push the team even further.”
Bulls Leadership Say It’s a Perfect Fit
The Bulls’ top brass seem just as thrilled about the appointment.
Willem Strauss, president of the Blue Bulls Rugby Union, called Ackermann a natural choice — not just for his coaching resume, but because of his deep connection to the team.
“Johan’s blood is blue,” Strauss said proudly. “He played here, made his Springbok debut at Loftus, and he’s a legend in our local Carlton League.
He knows what it means to represent this union.”
Echoing that sentiment, Edgar Rathbone, CEO of the Blue Bulls Company, described Ackermann as a visionary leader with a proven track record of developing both talent and team culture.
“He’s someone who truly understands what this franchise stands for,” said Rathbone.
“We’re excited about the next chapter under his leadership.”
A Coaching Career Built on Grit and Global Experience
Ackermann, now 54, may be best known for his Super Rugby success with the Lions, where he took them to back-to-back finals with a fast-paced, structured style that fans loved.
But his coaching story stretches far and wide.
After retiring in 2008, Ackermann quickly transitioned from player to coach, moving up the ranks with the Lions and eventually leading the South Africa ‘A’ team.
Then came an international adventure — three years in England with Gloucester Rugby, where he helped the team reach a European Challenge Cup final and an English Premiership semi-final.
His coaching journey later took him to Japan, where he worked with NTT DoCoMo Red Hurricanes and Urayasu D-Rocks, further expanding his tactical toolbox.
Now, he’s back on South African soil — and his time assisting the Junior Boks in 2025 seems to have been the final stepping stone.
What’s Next for the Bulls?
With Ackermann stepping into the head coach role, all eyes will be on how he reshapes the Bulls heading into the new season.
His return to Loftus Versfeld feels like a homecoming — but it’s also a bold new chapter for a franchise looking to reignite its dominance on the domestic and international stage.