Johan Ackermann, the newly appointed head coach of the Vodacom bulls, faces significant decisions upon his arrival at Loftus Versfeld. Ackermann, who recently consulted for the Junior Springboks during their World Rugby U20 Championship victory in Italy, must determine the fate of current backs coach Chris Rossouw and forwards coach Andries Bekker. Both coaches remain under contract with the Bulls.
Reports suggest that Rossouw and Bekker experienced friction with former director of rugby Jake White, a situation that reportedly contributed to White’s departure earlier this month. According to *Rapport*, Ackermann has the discretion to retain them in their current coaching capacities, reassign them within the Bulls’ organizational structure, or seek contract buyouts through CEO Edgar Rathbone.
Beyond the coaching staff, Ackermann is also tasked with evaluating the broader United rugby Championship (URC) management team. This includes assistant coaches Werner Kruger, Jean Tiedt, Kennedy Tsimba, and Phiwe Nomlomo, as well as essential personnel in the medical, technical, and logistical departments.
Despite the title change from “director of rugby” to “head coach,” the Bulls have affirmed that Ackermann will wield the same level of authority as his predecessor, Jake White. This authority extends to the oversight of all professional and junior rugby programs at Loftus. “There’s no difference in responsibility,” Rathbone informed *Rapport*. “It’s just a different title.”
Photo: Gordon Arons/Gallo Images
The Vodacom Bulls, a prominent South African rugby union team, compete in the United Rugby Championship (URC). Based in Pretoria, the team has a rich history in South African rugby, previously competing in the Super Rugby competition. The appointment of a new head coach often signifies a period of transition and strategic realignment for the franchise, impacting player recruitment, coaching philosophies, and overall team performance. the URC, an international professional rugby union competition, involves teams from various European countries and South Africa, making it a highly competitive league.
Q: Who is the new head coach of the Vodacom Bulls?
A: Johan Ackermann is the new head coach of the Vodacom Bulls.
Q: What was Johan Ackermann’s recent involvement in rugby?
A: Ackermann recently served as a consultant for the Junior Springboks, who won the World Rugby U20 Championship.
Q: What key decisions does Ackermann need to make regarding the coaching staff?
A: Ackermann must decide whether to retain or reassign backs coach Chris Rossouw and forwards coach andries Bekker, or negotiate buyouts for their contracts.
Q: Does the new head coach have the same authority as the former director of rugby?
A: Yes, the Bulls have confirmed that Ackermann has the same authority as the former director of rugby, Jake White, overseeing all professional and junior structures.
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