Ackermann: The advantage of coaching the Bulls
REACTION: Johan Ackermann gets ‘goose bumps’ when he thinks of coaching the Bulls.
The Bulls confirmed the worst-kept secret, the appointment of Ackermann, as their head coach.
He replaced the recently departed Director of Rugby Jake White.
However, unlike his first foray into international coaching, with the Lions more than a decade ago, he has a major leg up.
Speaking from Italy, where he is assisting the Baby Boks ahead of the Final of the World Rugby Under-20 Championship, Ackermann described his appointment as a dream come true.
* (Article continues below…)
#⃣NEWS: The @BlueBullsRugby announced Jake White’s replacement 🗞️#Rugby 🏉#Rugby365 🌐#RugbyUnion🌍
🔗https://t.co/LUinIC7lIA pic.twitter.com/YVgqQvDRKe— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) July 16, 2025
“The moment I received the call I got goose bumps,” Ackermann said.
“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 percent of my friends are Bulls supporters.
“The 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.
“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 player in Springbok history at the time.
His age at his last Test (37 years, 34 days) has subsequently been overtaken by Victor Matfield (38 years, 172 days), Schalk Brits (38 years, 145 days), Duane Vermeulen (37 years, 117 days) and equalled by Morné Steyn (37 years, 34 days).
