South African rugby team the Vodacom Bulls have officially appointed Johan Ackermann, the former Gloucester Rugby head coach, as their new head coach. Ackermann joins the Bulls after concluding a coaching stint in Japan and working with the South African Under-20 team.
Ackermann was shortlisted alongside Bath’s head of rugby Johann van Graan, Leinster’s senior coach Jacques Nienaber, and Glasgow Warriors’ Franco Smith. However, Ackermann stood out as the only candidate not currently under contract elsewhere. Meanwhile, van Graan remains fully committed to Bath Rugby, with a contract extending to 2030, as confirmed by senior Bath Rugby sources. Van Graan, currently on holiday in South Africa, is preparing for his fourth pre-season campaign with Bath.
Expressing enthusiasm about Ackermann’s appointment, Bulls president Willem Strauss said, “He’s the right person at the right time. A Carlton League legend, former Bulls player, and Springbok Test player, his connection to Loftus and this club runs deep. His leadership and ability to shape culture are widely respected.”
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Bulls CEO Edgar Rathbone added, “Johan Ackermann isn’t just an exceptional coach; he embodies the values of our union. His proven ability to build strong teams, nurture talent, and achieve top-level results aligns perfectly with our club’s legacy and ambition. We are excited to welcome him back home and look forward to a new era defined by excellence, resilience, and unity.”
Ackermann’s illustrious playing career saw him earn 13 Test caps for the Springboks between 1996 and 2007 as a lock. Transitioning into coaching, he led the Lions in Johannesburg from forward coach to head coach, guiding them to consecutive Super Rugby finals in 2013 and 2014. He also coached the South African ‘A’ side before moving to Gloucester, where he took the club to the Challenge Cup final and a Premiership semi-final. After Gloucester, Ackermann spent time leading teams in Japan, including the Red Hurricanes and Urayasu D-Rocks.
With Ackermann’s return to the Bulls, the club looks forward to a strong future built on his vast experience and leadership.