Coetzee hails Ackers’ open-door policy
Marcell Coetzee says Johan Ackermann’s approachable style has already made a big impression at the Vodacom Bulls.
The former Lions and Gloucester mentor took charge after Jake White’s departure, and Coetzee believes his honesty and accessibility are giving players the confidence to grow.
“What you see is what you get from the coach,” he said. “He has an open-door policy, and for a player, that is what you want. The whole style is great so far, and I think the players are really enjoying it.”
Ackermann’s Bulls will aim to lift the Vodacom URC trophy for the first time, having suffered three final defeats in the past four seasons under White, including a disappointing 32-7 loss in the 2025 Dublin decider.
On the day we just met a Leinster side that was hungrier, and we didn’t have an answer for that,” said Coetzee. “But in failure, you do get your learnings, and we’ve identified stuff that didn’t work for us and we want to continue building that towards the new season.”
The Bulls kick off their URC campaign against the Ospreys at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
The Bulls start their URC campaign at home against the Ospreys and defending champions Leinster before embarking on a three-match tour of Ireland and Scotland. They’ll get a festive-season break this year, with their round eight home clash against the Stormers moved to March.
KEY PLAYER
Springbok flyhalf Handré Pollard returns to the Bulls on a two-year deal, having initially been linked with a move from the Leicester Tigers to Japan. Pollard played 72 matches for the Bulls from 2013 to 2019 before joining French Top 14 club Montpellier, and spent the past three seasons in England. The double World Cup winner brings a physical presence to the Bulls’ No 10 role that the injury-prone Johan Goosen lacks, taking the ball to the line and making excellent decisions. His tactical kicking will ensure the Bulls play in the right areas, while his goal-kicking record – including under immense pressure – speaks for itself.
