The Vodacom Bulls have dismissed assistant coaches Andries Bekker and Chris Rossouw following a dismal run of five consecutive defeats under head coach Johan Ackermann, who replaced Jake White in July.
According to Netwerk24, both coaches were asked to vacate their offices this morning, bringing an abrupt end to their tenures despite contracts running until the season.
Rossouw, responsible for the Bulls’ backline, joined the Pretoria franchise in 2019 from the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport.
The former Western Province and Stormers flyhalf had established himself as a key figure in the Bulls’ coaching structure over five seasons.
Bekker, who oversaw the forwards, arrived in 2023 on a contract extending until 2026. The former 29-Test Springbok lock and Western Province stalwart’s departure represents a significant shift.
Both coaches had apparently fallen out with White before his departure.
The dismissals follow the Bulls’ latest defeat to the Sharks in Durban, extending their losing streak to five matches and mounting pressure on Bulls leadership.
Also read: Late surge help Sharks beat Bulls 21-12 in URC clash
Originally, the understanding was that Ackermann would collaborate with the inherited coaching staff until season’s end before making personnel decisions.
However, the team’s poor form accelerated the timeline, prompting immediate action from Bulls management.
As far as Novanews could establish, Kennedy Tsimba and Jean Tiedt remain in their respective positions.
Ackermann is expected to assume direct responsibility for the forwards, leveraging his successful experience with the Junior Springboks and his productive tenure at the Lions. The head coach will likely prioritise appointing a new backs coach to complete his preferred coaching structure.
Neil de Bruin, currently serving as director of rugby at Paarl Boys’ High School, has emerged as a potential candidate for the revamped coaching setup.
The coaching changes represent Ackermann’s first major personnel decisions since assuming control, signalling his determination to arrest the Bulls’ declining form and implement his tactical vision.
The Bulls’ next face the high flying Stormers on 3 January.
You must be logged in to post a comment.