Ackermann eyes culture shift at Bulls: It's not about you

IOL News

23-07-2025

New Bulls boss Johan Ackermann has promised a values-driven approach, aiming to build a team that wins with humility and unity. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
Johan Ackermann wants to change the Bulls — and not just on the field.
The new coach, appointed in the wake of Jake White's departure earlier this month, is fully aware that it will be there — on the field — where he will ultimately be judged by the majority of South Africans. But on Wednesday, Ackermann laid out a broader vision: to develop not just better rugby players, but better people.
'I want a team that works hard,' said Ackermann in his first media appointment as head coach from Loftus Versveld. 'So, if you're not willing to work hard, it's going to be a problem. I want a team that — he says — is a serving team … it's not about you. You must serve the team first.
'It is about picking up a thing that lies around, giving somebody water first before you drink it, caring for your teammates and those around you… You have the opportunity to treat people, so how do you treat them?
'If we have that respect and trust for each other, that will be important.
'The last thing is, I said (to the players), I want to trust you. If I say something you don't like, tell me immediately.
'The style of play,' the 55-year-old added, 'I don't want to say too much about that. That is something that we must keep to ourselves, but I will say that, hopefully, the supporters will enjoy the style of play.'
Ackermann inherits arguably the best team in South Africa. Under White, the Bulls reached three United Rugby Championship finals in four years. They lost all three, which seemingly resulted in an unhealthy degree of frustration creeping into the changeroom.
Recent reports suggest that a player revolt terminated White's relationship with the team and the union — the aforementioned of which were unhappy with the former World Cup-winning coach's comments regarding their skillsets, or lack thereof, after their final loss to Leinster.
Ackermann was careful not to cast judgement on what had come before but reiterated a belief that the squad he will be working with in the coming months has the capacity to remain at the forefront of South African rugby.
"It's always difficult to make any comments from the outside,' said Ackermann. 'I think the reality is, if you haven't worked with a player, you haven't worked with a team, it is difficult to make any conclusions.
'For me, the first thing is to get to know each player, each talent — what their strengths are and what they can do. Then you can put a plan in place according to those players' strengths and then change tactics and etcetera.
'I do believe it's a good squad.'
Ackermann arrived in Pretoria earlier this week after helping the Junior Springboks win the bronze medal at the World Rugby Under-20 Championship, and intends to first familiarise himself with the structures and resources of the Bulls.
As such, he will have a limited role — initially — in the upcoming Currie Cup campaign, with the possibility of it expanding if required. The Bulls start that campaign this weekend against Western Province under the guidance of coach Phiwe Nonlomo.
That game kicks off at 5.10pm on Saturday from Cape Town Stadium.