Bulls snatch another Bok from Lions
TRANSFER NEWS: The Bulls have managed to lure another Springbok to Loftus Versfeld – despite the determined efforts of the Lions to lure him to Ellis Park.
The Blue Bulls Company revealed that Springbok Andries Bekker has joined them from Kobe Steelers as an assistant coach until June 2026.
The announcement comes in a week when Russell Winter and Sean Everitt announced their departures from Loftus.
The Paul Roos alumni, Bekker, enjoyed a successful time as a player, in a career that spanned fourteen years – which majority he spent in Cape Town with the Stormers.
He moved to Japan a decade ago, where he joined the Steelers – first as a player and then converting to the coaching staff.
He was high on the Lions’ wish list to replace fellow Bok Albert van den Berg, who took up a position in Wales.
#TransferNews: Big loss as Sean Everitt heads for the exit door #rugby #news @BlueBullsRugby https://t.co/5SzeYaJRqo
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The towering Bok, Bekker, made his winning debut (playing against Wales) back in 2008, and went on to make 29 appearances for the national side.
Bekker will link up with the squad from Monday (July 24) when the team begins its pre-season and will primarily look after the forwards and breakdown department.
Edgar Rathbone, BBCo Chief Executive welcomed Bekker to Loftus.
“We are excited to have Andries join our coaching team, an experienced former player with some great rugby IP – especially in the line-outs – which we will look to tap into,” Rathbone said.
“He understands the South African game and also brings acute attention to detail from his time working in Japan under All Black Wayne Smith.
“We are making some changes to our coaching department, looking to bring reinforcements ahead of the new season.
“Our desire is to continuously surround our players with top-quality coaches and mentors who can challenge them to be at their best.
“I am confident that he is going to find our environment a great fit for him and equally, our players will enjoy being under his guidance at the front.
“We look forward to welcoming him and his family to Loftus and I am sure he will enjoy his time with our Bulls family.”
