The Vodacom Bulls have sacked assistant coaches Chris Rossouw and Andries Bekker.

This follows a run of five consecutive defeats under head coach Johan Ackermann, who took over from Jake White in July, the most recent defeat to the Sharks in Durban.

Rossouw was responsible for the Bulls backs, while Bekker oversaw the forwards. Both fell out with White, and their relationship with Ackermann has also deteriorated.

Rossouw, a former Western Province and Stormers flyhalf, had been with the Bulls since 2019 after joining from the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport. Bekker, also a WP stalwart and a 29-Test Springbok lock, arrived in Pretoria in 2023 on a deal that was due to run until 2026.

SIYA: Decision to leave Sharks wasn’t easy

The changes would appear to pave the way for Ackermann, who is under increasing pressure, to install his own support team.

According to Rapport, Ackermann is now expected to take a hands-on role with the forwards, having done well with the Junior Boks and during his successful stint at the Lions.

Neil de Bruin, currently director of rugby at Paarl Boys’ High, is among the names being touted to form part of the new coaching structure.

FULL STORY

Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images