Ackers: Wilco a big loss
Vodacom Bulls coach Johan Ackermann says he respects Wilco Louw’s decision to return to the Stormers.
Louw has signed a long-term deal to rejoin the Cape side ahead of the 2026-27 season, but will see out the upcoming Vodacom URC campaign with the Bulls before heading home.
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The Springbok tighthead, who made his Stormers debut in 2015 and has since become one of the game’s most powerful scrummagers, will add to his 46 caps for the Cape franchise when he returns to the team he grew up supporting.
Ackermann admitted the Bulls pushed hard to keep Louw in Pretoria, but accepted the personal reasons behind his decision.
“He has proven over the last couple of seasons that he is one of the best, if not the best, tighthead in the world,” said Ackermann.
“It is a big loss. But the person is more important than the game for me. His family is more important. His decision as a father is more important.
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“Wilco felt, for personal reasons, he needed to be closer to the farm and closer to Cape Town. It was not a money thing. It’s not like we didn’t fight for him and didn’t want him.
“It’s a decision that we respect, and therefore we can just thank him for what he has done for Bulls rugby – and hopefully this year, for his final season with us.”
The Bulls kick off their URC campaign against the Ospreys at Loftus Versfeld next Saturday.
Photo: Johan Orton/Gallo Images