New Vodacom Bulls coach Johan Ackermann has reportedly decided whether to keep predecessor Jake White’s coaching team.
Ackers makes call on Bulls assistants
White vacated the role last month amid reports that several senior players and assistant coaches issued an ultimatum to the Bulls board: either White goes, or they walk.
During the Vodacom URC final defeat to Leinster in Dublin, White and his two key assistants, Andries Bekker and Chris Rossouw, allegedly hardly spoke to one another.
However, Ackermann has held talks with the entire backroom team over the past two weeks and made his decision.
“Ackers has decided that he will stick with the coaching team,” a source.
Bekker, who serves as forwards coach, will now continue in his role until at least June 2026. He will remain part of a group that also includes other assistant coaches Rossouw, Werner Kruger, Jean Tiedt, Kennedy Tsimba and Phiwe Nomlomo.
John-William Meyer (technical analyst), Dr Herman Rossouw (team doctor), Lance Lemmetjies and Darryn Berry (physiotherapists), André Volsteedt (strength and conditioning), Yusuf Vahed (sports scientist), Dr Eugene Hare (team manager) and Simon Dyidi (logistics manager) are also part of the management team.
Ackermann is expected to take a hands-on approach to coaching, but his decision to keep the existing staff provides continuity as the Bulls look to build on last season’s URC runner-up finish.
“It’s about building something sustainable and aligned with my values,” Ackermann reportedly told confidants. “You can’t build a new house on an old foundation.”
The changes could see fresh faces join the Bulls’ technical team ahead of the United Rugby Championship and Currie Cup campaigns. Fans can expect announcements soon, possibly involving former players or trusted lieutenants from Ackermann’s past coaching stints.
The decision marks the end of an era under Jake White, but also the start of a potentially exciting chapter for the Bulls. Ackermann’s hands-on approach and proven ability to rebuild squads from the ground up are seen as vital to restoring the franchise’s dominance both locally and internationally.
