Ackermann Quashes Springbok Coach Speculation At Bulls Before Stormers Test

Johan Ackermann dismisses claims of Springboks coach involvement, as the Vodacom Bulls prepare for their URC clash with the Stormers in Cape Town.

Dec 30, 2025 by Philip Bendon

Ackermann Quashes Springbok Coach Speculation At Bulls Before Stormers Test

Vodacom Bulls head coach Johan Ackermann has moved swiftly to shut down speculation linking Springboks assistant coaches with the Pretoria side during derby week, insisting recent reports have misrepresented both his intentions and the facts.

Ackermann said suggestions that Springboks coaches would be embedded with the Bulls ahead of this weekend’s United Rugby Championship clash were wide of the mark and never part of the plan.

“I never asked for that, and Rassie also said it wouldn’t be ideal,” Ackermann explained. “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.”

The Bulls coach acknowledged his frustration at how the story gathered momentum without clarification. According to Ackermann, the narrative snowballed across media platforms and social channels without any direct engagement with him.

“The story was spread without the facts, and nobody bothered to speak to me,” he said. “The truth is simple: I assessed everything and wanted a fresh pair of eyes to look at our defensive structures and bounce ideas off.”

Ackermann stressed that his approach was rooted in professional reflection rather than a request for tactical assistance from the national setup. He confirmed that his outreach was limited and specific, centered on discussion, rather than delegation.

He clarified that he contacted senior Springboks coach Johan Erasmus with a narrowly defined request.

“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 said. “I don’t expect the Boks 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.”

Ackermann added that any interaction with national coaches would be informal, practical and occasional, rather than a standing arrangement.

“You can’t expect the Boks coaches, one of whom lives in Ireland, to be at Loftus every week,” he said. “I’d be happy if they rotated, which is where the idea of involving Duane Vermeulen and Felix Jones came in.”

He also was clear that boundaries remain firmly in place between club and country.

“I would never ask Rassie for game plans, merely a careful eye on what we are doing,” Ackermann said. “This is about alignment and perspective, not about outsourcing our coaching.”

The Vodacom Bulls, meanwhile, have shifted their full attention back to the field, as preparations continue for Saturday’s United Rugby Championship showdown against the DHL Stormers in Cape Town, a fixture that carries significant weight in the early stages of the season given the Bulls currently in 10th position on the table.

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Investec Champions Cup Round 2

Friday, Dec. 12

3 p.m. ET: Leicester Tigers vs. Leinster Rugby, Mattioli Woods Welford Road

Saturday, Dec. 13

8 a.m. ET: DHL Stormers vs. La Rochelle, Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium
10:15 a.m. ET: Hollywoodbets Sharks vs. Saracens, Hollywoodbets Kings Park
10:15 a.m. ET: Clermont Auvergne vs. Sale Sharks, Stade Marcel-Michelin
12:30 p.m. ET: Bordeaux-Bègles vs. Scarlets, Stade Chaban-Delmas
12:30 p.m. ET: Munster Rugby vs. Gloucester Rugby, SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh
3 p.m. ET: Glasgow Warriors vs. Toulouse, Scotstoun Stadium

Sunday, Dec. 14

8 a.m. ET: Harlequins vs. Bayonne, Twickenham Stoop
8 a.m. ET: Castres Olympique vs. Edinburgh Rugby, Stade Pierre-Fabre
10:15 a.m. ET: Toulon vs. Bath Rugby, Stade Félix Mayol
10:15 a.m. ET: Northampton Saints vs. Vodacom Bulls, cinch Stadium @ Franklin’s Gardens
12:30 p.m. ET: Bristol Bears vs. Pau, Ashton Gate

Investec Champions Cup Round 1 Scores

Friday Scores

DHL Stormers 23, Bayonne 17 | FINAL
Sale Sharks 21, Glasgow Warriors 26 | FINAL

Saturday Scores

Saracens 47, Clermont 10 | FINAL
Bordeaux 46, Vodacom Bulls 33 | FINAL
La Rochelle 39, Leicester Tigers 20 | FINAL
Leinster Rugby 45, Harlequins 28 | FINAL
Bristol Bears 17, Scarlets 16 | FINAL
Bath Rugby 40, Munster Rugby 14 | FINAL

Sunday Scores

Northampton Saints 35, Pau 27 | FINAL
Toulouse 56, Hollywoodbets Sharks 19 | FINAL
Gloucester Rugby 34, Castres 14 | FINAL
Edinburgh Rugby 33, Toulon | Final

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