The Bulls are set to complete their coaching overhaul with the imminent appointment of Neil de Bruin as backs coach, reuniting the Paarl Boys’ High Director of Rugby with head coach Johan Ackermann in what sources describe as one of rugby’s worst-kept secrets.
De Bruin’s appointment follows the recent dismissal of assistant coaches Andries Bekker and Chris Rossouw after the Bulls’ dismal run of five consecutive defeats across all competitions.
De Bruin brings extensive experience to Loftus Versfeld, having previously worked alongside Ackermann during their successful four-season stint in Japan Rugby League One. The coaching partnership flourished with the Red Hurricanes before continuing their collaboration at the D-Rocks franchise.
During their Japanese tenure, de Bruin served as attack and backs coach whilst Ackermann held the head coaching position, establishing a working relationship that proved highly effective in developing expansive playing styles suited to the competition’s fast-paced format.
Prior to his Japanese adventure, de Bruin honed his coaching credentials with the Lions between 2018 and 2020, where he served as attack coach during the franchise’s competitive Vodacom United Rugby Championship campaigns.
His appointment addresses the Bulls’ immediate need for specialist backs coaching expertise following Rossouw’s departure. The former Western Province flyhalf had overseen the Bulls’ backline operations since joining from Stellenbosch Academy of Sport in 2019.
The Bulls have endured their longest winless streak since 17 October, culminating in last weekend’s defeat to the Sharks in Durban.
The coaching reshuffle represents Ackermann’s first major personnel changes since replacing Jake White in July, signalling his intent to establish a preferred support structure amid mounting pressure from management and supporters.
Also read: Bulls wield axe as coaching duo dismissed following string of defeats
The Bulls face their sternest test on 3 January when they travel to Cape Town to confront the unbeaten Stormers at DHL Stadium. The Western Cape encounter represents an opportunity for Ackermann and his restructured coaching team to demonstrate immediate improvement.
The appointment is expected to be confirmed formally within the coming days.
