This announcement comes just weeks after the Bulls parted ways with Jake White, the Rugby World Cup-winning former Springbok coach, who led the team to three United Rugby Championship finals in four seasons

Ackermann, a former Bulls and Springbok lock, has long established himself as one of the sharpest coaching minds both locally and abroad. At the Lions, he led the team to a Super Rugby final. And while they weren't able to win the competition, the Lions haven’t quite been the same since his departure.

Johan Ackermann - Bulls

He spent a significant amount of time in England with Gloucester before moving to Japan, where he coached the Red Hurricanes and Urayasu D-Rocks. More recently, Ackermann was involved with the Junior Springboks setup.

Another World Cup-winning former Bok coach, Jacques Nienaber, was also linked to the Loftus Versfeld job, but he is currently with Leinster in Ireland, who beat the Bulls recently in the URC final at Croke Park in Dublin.

Jacques Nienaber - Morgan Piek

For Ackermann, this new chapter marks something of a full-circle moment in his rugby journey. His playing career started at the Bulls before he went on to represent the Golden Lions, Cats, Northampton Saints, Griquas, and Sharks as well. He also earned 13 Test caps for the Springboks.

Ackermann said he was overwhelmed with emotion upon receiving the news of his appointment.

“The moment I got the call, I had goosebumps – it still feels too good to be true,” said Ackermann.

“I’m like a Grade One learner going to school for the first time. I’m so excited – it’s a privilege and an honour.

Jakes White - Morgan Piek

“This is a great union with a proud tradition and incredible supporters. Eighty percent of my friends are Bulls fans! The Bulls have been successful for many years, and now I’ve been given the opportunity to be part of that. I’m grateful to the Board for entrusting me with this role.

“It’s a bit different to my previous coaching jobs, where I had to help build teams from the ground up. The Bulls are already established – now it’s about taking them to the next level.”

Ackermann will be officially introduced as the new Bulls coach next week.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport