Exclusive: Victor Matfield Tips Johan Ackermann, the ‘People’s Coach’, to End Bulls’ URC Final Heartache

Three gleaming SuperRugby trophies greet visitors in the foyer of the Loftus Versfeld administration building — a proud symbol of the Bulls' decorated past, yet a stark contrast to the three United Rugby Championship finals they have lost.

But former Bulls captain Victor Matfield believes the appointment of Johan Ackermann as head coach could finally end the drought and deliver the title the union craves most.

From Lock to Leader: Ackermann’s Return

The 55-year-old Ackermann returns to Pretoria following his official announcement as the replacement for Jake White, who was dismissed after the Bulls’ third URC final defeat earlier this year. His post-match comments — implying his squad lacked the mental fortitude to win the title — caused a rift with senior players and coaching staff, accelerating his exit.

Ackermann, a former lock who began his professional playing career with the Bulls in 1995, went on to earn 13 Springbok caps and is revered in Pretoria club rugby circles.

His coaching CV includes successful stints with Japan’s Red Hurricanes and Urayasu D-Rocks, and a Challenge Cup final and Premiership semi-final with Gloucester. He’s currently a consultant with the Junior Springboks, who face New Zealand in the World Rugby U20 Championship final in Italy on Saturday.

Building Brotherhood: Matfield Praises the People’s Coach

Victor Matfield, who captained the Bulls during their golden SuperRugby era from 2007 to 2010, welcomed the appointment with enthusiasm — highlighting Ackermann’s unique ability to unite and motivate players.

"Ackers showed what he can do with the Lions, where he had a small budget and youngsters, but he built something special. He is a people-person, a mix of a manager and a coach. And with players like Jan Serfontein and Handre Pollard coming to the Bulls to join Marcell Coetzee and Ruan Nortje, he will need to be. But I am sure he will keep the playing group happy," Matfield told SportsBoom.co.za in an exclusive interview.

"You get different types of coaches. Rassie Erasmus is more of a technical coach and some coaches are almost more like managers - they know how to get the players focused and moving in a good direction.”

"It's unbelievable what Ackers achieved at the Lions, and I think he'll be very good at the Bulls. It's a good group for him to get because he likes to manage people, to sell them a dream. I know he found it difficult in Japan because the language barrier means you can't speak to the players directly and he likes to do one-on-ones. He's a good guy to come in after Jake and he'll get a great culture going," Matfield said.

Kwagga Smith: ‘He Gets Everyone Aligned’

Springbok loose forward Kwagga Smith, who flourished under Ackermann at the Lions, backed his former coach to revitalise the Bulls.

"He's a brilliant coach and as a youngster I really enjoyed playing under him. He has the ability to get a group together, all aligning for the same goal. I think he will be a big success at the Bulls because they already have brilliant players there."

"Now they will get aligned and I think the Bulls will do marvellous things now with Ackers," Smith said in Nelspruit, where the Springboks were preparing for Saturday's Test against Georgia.

Bulls Boss: ‘It Was Written in the Stars’

Bulls president Willem Strauss hailed the appointment as a homecoming decade in the making.

"Ever since Ackers arrived at the Police College as an 18-year-old, Pretoria has been his home. Even while coaching in Johannesburg, Japan and England, his home was in Pretoria," Strauss pointed out.

"It was written in the stars that Ackers, himself a product of our famous Springbok lock factory, should coach the Vodacom Bulls some day!"

"We are close to the next level, converting losing finals into winning finals is much easier than reaching finals! 

Welcome home Johan!"

Ackermann’s ability to inspire, connect, and create unity has earned admiration across the rugby world. With a powerful squad at his disposal and the faith of key figures behind him, the Bulls might just be poised for their long-awaited URC breakthrough.