New Vodacom Bulls coach Johan Ackermann has reportedly decided whether to keep predecessor Jake White’s coaching team.

White vacated the role last month amid reports that several senior players and assistant coaches issued an ultimatum to the Bulls board: either White goes, or they walk.

During the Vodacom URC final defeat to Leinster in Dublin, White and his two key assistants, Andries Bekker and Chris Rossouw, allegedly hardly spoke to one another.

However, Ackermann has held talks with the entire backroom team over the past two weeks and made his decision.

“Ackers has decided that he will stick with the coaching team,” a source told Rapport.

Bekker, who serves as forwards coach, will now continue in his role until at least June 2026. He will remain part of a group that also includes other assistant coaches Rossouw, Werner Kruger, Jean Tiedt, Kennedy Tsimba and Phiwe Nomlomo.

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John-William Meyer (technical analyst), Dr Herman Rossouw (team doctor), Lance Lemmetjies and Darryn Berry (physiotherapists), André Volsteedt (strength and conditioning), Yusuf Vahed (sports scientist), Dr Eugene Hare (team manager) and Simon Dyidi (logistics manager) are also part of the management team.

Ackermann is expected to take a hands-on approach to coaching, but his decision to keep the existing staff provides continuity as the Bulls look to build on last season’s URC runner-up finish.

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