Bulls coaches axed

The Vodacom Bulls have made a major shake-up to their coaching team following five consecutive defeats.

On Tuesday morning, head coach Johan Ackermann’s assistant coaches, Chris Rossouw and Andries Bekker, were sacked.

Rossouw was responsible for the Bulls backs, while Bekker oversaw the forwards. Both fell out with former head coach Jake White, and their relationship with Ackermann has also deteriorated.

Rossouw, a former Western Province and Stormers flyhalf, had been with the Bulls since 2019 after joining from the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport. Bekker, also a WP stalwart and a 29-Test Springbok lock, arrived in Pretoria in 2023 on a deal that was due to run until 2026.

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The changes would appear to pave the way for Ackermann, who is under increasing pressure, to install his own support team.

According to Rapport, Ackermann is now expected to take a hands-on role with the forwards, having done well with the Junior Boks and during his successful stint at the Lions.

Neil de Bruin, currently director of rugby at Paarl Boys’ High, is among the names being touted to form part of the new coaching structure.

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