Vodacom Bulls coach Johan Ackermann answers burning questions
Breakfast with Martin Bester spoke to the newly appointed head coach of the Vodacom Bulls about his plans for the beloved team.
On Wednesday, 16 July, just days after it was announced that Jake White would be stepping down as head coach of the Vodacom Bulls, the team announced the appointment of its new head coach.
Former South African rugby player Johan Ackermann will take over the reins at Loftus Versfeld from Tuesday, 22 July.
"He's the right person at the right time," said Willem Strauss, president of the Blue Bulls Rugby Union.
"Johan Ackermann is not just an outstanding coach; he is a leader who lives and breathes the values of this union. His reputation for forging powerful team cultures, developing players to their full potential, and delivering results at the highest level is well proven," said Edgar Rathbone, chief executive of the Blue Bulls Company.
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"The Vodacom Bulls are a club built on legacy and ambition, and with Johan at the helm, we are confident our future will be shaped by excellence, resilience, and unity. This appointment marks an exciting new chapter for Bulls rugby, and we are thrilled to welcome him home."
Breakfast with Martin Bester invited Ackermann to the Jacaranda FM studio the day after his first official working day at the Vodacom Bulls to discuss the team's future and his plans for the renowned side.
Listen to the full interview here:
Ackermann told Martin Bester that becoming the Bulls coach is like a dream come true.
His family was ecstatic about the news, especially because his wife grew up as a Blue Bulls fan, he said.
He also added that his son will now be playing for what is possibly the Bulls' biggest rival, the Stormers
Ackermann said he is immensely proud of his son even though he will now be coaching against him moving forward.
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"He will be treated as any other opposing team member."
Facts about Johan Ackermann
Personal background:
- Born in Benoni, South Africa, in 1970.
Playing career:
- Played as a lock.
- Earned 13 Test caps for the Springboks from 1996 to 2007.
- Known for relentless physicality and grit on the field.
- Became the oldest Springbok debutant at age 37 in his final Test appearance.
Coaching career:
- Retired in 2008 and transitioned to coaching.
- Started coaching with the Lions in Johannesburg.
- Appointed forwards coach, then head coach in 2013.
- Led the Lions to two consecutive Super Rugby finals.
- Coached the South Africa 'A' team in 2016 and 2017.
Moved to England to coach Gloucester Rugby:
- Reached a Challenge Cup final.
- Reached a Premiership semi-final.
- Worked with the Red Hurricanes and Urayasu D-Rocks.
- Known for values-based leadership and team cohesion.
Return to South African rugby
- Returned to South Africa in 2025 as a coaching consultant for the SA Under-20s.
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Image: Jacaranda FM