Vodacom Bulls coach Johan Ackermann has praised Reinhardt Ludwig for his growing maturity and leadership after the young lock’s composed performance as stand-in captain against Connacht.

That display could earn him another shot at leading the side when they face the Glasgow Warriors on Friday night.

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Ludwig, 22, has quickly become one of the Bulls’ standout figures on their URC tour, having played 20 minutes against Ulster in Belfast and leading the team to a tough victory over Connacht. Ackermann revealed that the coaching staff had intended to substitute him earlier in last week’s clash in Galway but opted to keep him on after he took control of the contest.

“We kept him on the field a little longer than planned and he did excellently,” Ackermann said.

“He is a natural leader. Reinhardt speaks well to the players and he led with his game. It means a lot that he brought so much composure to a tour match here. What also impressed me is that he made good decisions, and such experiences are valuable for his development.”

Ackermann now faces a leadership dilemma ahead of Friday’s fixture in Scotland, with Marcell Coetzee returning to the squad after missing the Connacht match due to concussion protocol. The veteran flanker has captained the Bulls before, but Ludwig’s recent showing has given the coach food for thought.

“Ruan (Nortjé) is our captain and Marcell was the captain in his absence, while Grobbies (Johan Grobbelaar) has also led the team,” Ackermann explained.

“Now Reinhardt has also shown that he is very comfortable in that role. That is what you look for in any team: leadership and experience.”

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The Bulls will be without Springboks Wilco Louw and Canan Moodie for the trip to Scotstoun Stadium, with Mornay Smith or Francois Klopper expected to fill the No 3 jersey in Louw’s absence.

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