Vodacom Bulls head coach Johan Ackermann has firmly denied media speculation suggesting he requested Springbok coaches to support his team during their upcoming derby preparations, calling such reports “ridiculous” and “unfounded.”
The experienced coach moved swiftly to clarify recent media coverage and social media speculation that claimed Springbok assistant coaches would be assisting the Bulls during their crucial derby week preparations.
“I never asked for that, and Rassie also said it wouldn’t be ideal,” Ackermann stated emphatically. “The thought that they would be in camp this week is ridiculous, and I challenge any press photographer to get a picture of a Bok coach at Loftus this week – it was never our intention.”
Expressing frustration at the misinformed reporting, Ackermann criticised the lack of fact-checking before publication. “The story was spread without the facts, and nobody bothered to speak to me,” he explained. “The truth is simple: I assessed everything and wanted a fresh pair of eyes to look at our defensive structures and bounce ideas off.”
The Bulls mentor clarified the actual nature of his communication with the national coaching setup, revealing he had contacted senior coach Johan Erasmus. “I said, you’ve always made your team of coaches available, and I’d love it if someone like Jerry Flanerry could come in and look at our defensive systems and share some ideas.”
Ackermann emphasised his autonomy as head coach, stating: “I don’t expect the Bok coaches to put a plan together on how to win – that is my job as head coach. I have my own system; it was never my idea to secure plans.”
He outlined a more practical collaboration approach, suggesting rotational involvement. “You can’t expect the Bok coaches, one of whom lives in Ireland, to be at Loftus every week. I’d be happy if they rotated, which is where the idea of involving Duane Vermeulen and Felix Jones came in.”
The clarification centres on seeking perspective rather than outsourcing responsibilities. “I would never ask Rassie for game plans, merely a careful eye on what we are doing. This is about alignment and perspective, not about outsourcing our coaching,” Ackermann concluded.
Despite the media controversy, the Vodacom Bulls remain focused on their immediate challenge, preparing for this weekend’s crucial Vodacom United Rugby Championship encounter against the DHL Stormers in Cape Town.
