Bulls clear up Giliomee confusion
INTERVIEW: Confusion surrounded the Bulls’ 2026/27 United Rugby Championship squad announcement after Luan Giliomee was named in both the Bulls and Sharks squads released ahead of the new season on Thursday.
Bulls coach Johan Ackermann has now explained the situation, confirming that the young flyhalf is still contracted to the Sharks and will only join the Bulls once that deal expires.
Ackermann said there is already an agreement in place for Giliomee to move to Pretoria, but his arrival has been delayed because he remains under contract with the Sharks.
“He’s still under contract with the Sharks, but we obviously have an agreement that he will come to us once his contract finishes,” Ackermann explained.
“That’s unfortunately why his start is delayed. He’ll come over the moment he’s ready to come over.
“We’re hoping somewhere in October.”
*Continues below…
Ackermann excited by Bosch signing
One of the Bulls’ headline recruits is former Sharks and Brive flyhalf Curwin Bosch, and Ackermann says the experienced playmaker has already impressed since arriving at Loftus Versfeld.
“We’re very pleased so far. He’s been training really well,” Ackermann said.
Bosch featured for theBulls against the All Blacks before picking up an injury during training ahead of the Stormers clash, ruling him out of that fixture.
The Bulls coach hopes the flyhalf will be fit for the opening round of the URC.
“We hope, first of all, that he’s ready to play next week.”
Ackermann believes Boschreturned to South Africa as a more complete player after his stint in France.
“He’s got a good eye for attack, a great kicking boot, and we’re excited. I think he matured a lot with his stint overseas.”
Bosch is expected to compete directly with Handré Pollard at flyhalf while also helping manage the workload over a long season.
“We’re excited that he can challenge Handré. At least we’ve got somebody to share the workload. Obviously, once Luan joins us, he can potentially play there as well.”
Johannes now a full-time scrumhalf
Ackermann also revealed that Keagan Johannes will now be viewed primarily as a scrumhalf after spending much of last season filling in at flyhalf.
“When I arrived, I was told he was a 10. Then Johan Goosen retired and Handré was still with the Springboks. He was our only option at 10.”
Johannes has since returned to his preferred position and has impressed the coaching staff.
“This season, for the first time, I saw him play nine in the Currie Cup. He started training at nine with us and he’s so good there that I think he can really challenge for that position.”
While Ackermann values Johannes’ versatility, he sees his future at No.9.
“It’s always good to know he can play 10, but if you ask me now where he’ll play, it’s nine. I don’t see him at this moment as a 10.”
Bulls won’t rule out Marx and Kwagga rumours
Ackermann also addressed speculation linking Springboks Malcolm Marx and Kwagga Smith with moves to Loftus Versfeld.
The Bulls coach neither confirmed nor denied the reports, saying discussions remain ongoing.
“There are still negotiations going on. Their names are on our table and we’ll look at them,” Ackermann said.
“But it’s not finished yet, and it’s still a bit of a long way to go.”
Pressed on whether either deal was close, Ackermann said: “Not yay or nay.”
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