Bath Rugby is confident that Johann van Graan will resist the allure of returning to his boyhood club, the Blue Bulls, and will continue as head of rugby for the Gallagher Premiership champions well into the 2025/26 season and beyond.
Van Graan, a South African who grew up around Loftus Versfeld where his father Barend served as CEO until 2019, has been named among a four-man shortlist to replace Jake White as head coach of the Bulls. White recently departed following a season review triggered by discontent within the squad despite competitive results, culminating in a URC final loss to Leinster.
Having led Bath to a historic treble in 2024/25, ending a 17-year trophy drought, van Graan is considered the longest-contracted candidate on the list. His current deal with Bath runs through to 2030, reinforcing his commitment to the club’s long-term success. Although his contract reportedly contains clauses permitting an early exit, his ongoing focus on developing young talent and building sustained excellence clearly indicates a long-term vision at the Recreation Ground.
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For van Graan, the only role likely to divert his attention before 2030 would be the Springboks head coach position, which remains unavailable until at least after the 2027 Rugby World Cup. His career trajectory shows a pattern of timing and opportunity—he missed out on joining Bath in 2016 but secured the role in 2022, illustrating that now is not the time for a Bulls return.
The other candidates vying for the Bulls job include former Gloucester head coach Johann Ackermann, currently consulting with the South Africa U20s; Glasgow Warriors head coach Franco Smith, who is contracted until 2025 and linked to Wales and Scotland national coaching positions; and Jacques Nienaber, who leads URC champions Leinster and appears unlikely to leave.
Van Graan is presently on holiday in South Africa but is expected back at Bath’s Farleigh House soon to prepare for the upcoming season. Should an unexpected vacancy arise, Bath already has Lee Blackett, the current backs and attack coach and a former Wasps head coach, ready to step up. Blackett recently worked with the England senior squad, contributing to a series lead over Argentina.
For now, Bath’s visionary coach remains focused on crafting a lasting legacy at the club as they aim to defend their Premiership title and challenge for European honors.