Ackers reveals why Bulls lost Bok battle to Stormers
Losing one of the best tightheads in the world, Wilco Louw, is a tough pill to swallow for the Bulls.
However, coach Johan Ackermann says the life of the person is more important than the game.
The Springbok prop signed a long-term deal with the Stormers, but will only head to Cape Town ahead of the start of the 2026-27 campaign.
He will see out his contract with the Bulls in Pretoria this season.
The big prop forward made his debut for the Stormers in 2015, and his impressive performances would see him go on to represent the national team for the first time in 2017.
A product of HTS Drostdy in Worcester, the powerful prop is one of the most dominant scrummagers in the world and is also renowned for his significant work rate.
He will return to the team he grew up supporting and add to his 46 Stormers caps.
According to Ackermann, the Bulls made a huge effort to retain the powerhouse prop in Pretoria.
“He has proven over the last couple of seasons that he is one of the best, if not the best, tighthead in the world,” the Bulls coach said.
“It is a big loss.
“But the [life of the] person is more important than the game, for me.
“His family is more important. His decision as a father is more important.
“Wilco felt, for personal reasons, he needed to be closer to the farm and closer to Cape Town.
“It was not a money thing. It’s not like we didn’t fight for him and didn’t want him.
“It’s a decision that we respect, and therefore, we can just thank him for what he has done for Bulls rugby.
“And hopefully, this year, for his final season with us,” he added.
The Bulls kick off their campaign in the United Rugby Championship against the Ospreys next weekend at Loftus Versfeld.
