Ackers' return: Bulls move will reignite a legacy that once roared in Jozi

COMMENT

On the wall of my home office – past the cluttered table, a mess of papers full of stats and books on sport – hangs a poster I designed for The Star in 2017.

It never saw the light of day. Although it was submitted to the Lions Rugby Union for consideration and use in their stadium, a simple error on our part – using “Ellis Park” instead of “Emirates Airline Park” – denied its presence at the Super Rugby final between the Joburgers and the Crusaders that day.

Its message was straightforward – one that recalled a glorious era in Lions history. “Ackers, thanks for the memories,” it read, with a smiling image of Johan Ackermann in the corner and the text flowing around him on a field of red.

That match – ultimately lost by the Lions – was Ackermann’s final one in charge before his departure to English club Gloucester. While the build-up to the sold-out showpiece was filled with anticipation, a tinge of regret lingered deep within the Pride’s collective gut.

Under Ackermann, the Lions had returned to the fore of South African rugby. He took a group of misfits and, alongside Swys de Bruin, moulded them into something quite extraordinary. He led the Lions to an emphatic Currie Cup title in 2015 and two consecutive Super Rugby finals.

For his efforts, he was named SA Rugby Coach of the Year three times.

I would argue that he changed the way South African franchises approached the game. And although nearly a decade has passed since his departure from Doornfontein, his influence still hangs like a spectre in those halls – a ghostly reminder of the identity the Lions are still chasing.

Ackermann’s legacy transcends the Lions. Malcolm Marx, Franco Mostert, Kwagga Smith, Elton Jantjies and Faf de Klerk – all stars of the double World Cup-winning Springbok era – are products of the Ackermann system.

So, it was with great interest that we learned on Wednesday of his return to the local game – as head coach of the Bulls, no less, after the sudden exit of Jake White. The were murmurs, of course, that this would be the case, so it was not a complete surprise.

Nevertheless Ackermann, capped 13 times for the Springboks, began his playing career in Pretoria before stints with the Lions and Sharks. In that sense, this move feels like a natural return.

“He’s the right person at the right time,” said Willem Strauss, president of the Blue Bulls Rugby Union, via a statement.

“This was always meant to be,” Strauss added. “His management of people and ability to drive culture are renowned.”

It was a sentiment echoed by Bulls CEO Edgar Rathbone: “Ackermann is not just an outstanding coach; he is a leader who lives and breathes the values of this union.

“His reputation for forging powerful team cultures, developing players to their full potential, and delivering results at the highest level, is well proven.”

Few would disagree. Lions fans certainly wouldn’t.

Unlike previous roles, where he had to build a team, instill a culture, and implement a playing philosophy, the Bulls already offer him a robust foundation. He inherits a squad packed with talent – Springboks like Wilco Louw, Gerhard Steenekamp, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Ruan Nortjé, Cameron Hanekom, Elrigh Louw, Handré Pollard, Jan Serfontein, Canan Moodie and Kurt-Lee Arendse.

If Ackermann can get the old guard to buy in and the new blood to follow, there’s every reason to believe the Bulls will continue to dominate in South Africa, the United Rugby Championship, and even the understated pan-European competitions.

His recent labours with the Baby Boks as a consultant, are a clear indication of his impact.

“The Bulls are already there – now I must make them grow and succeed even more,” Ackermann said, also in the statement, and who would bet against him doing just that. 

So, while we should all be thrilled to see his expertise return to our shores, there’s a part of me that aches. As a Lions fan, I can’t help but feel a pang of loss – not just for what was, but for what could have been had he stayed.

But as a rugby man, I know this is the right call. Ackermann’s return to Pretoria isn’t just a full-circle moment – it’s a timely one. The Bulls have the talent. Now, they have a reinvigorated vision to look forward to.

He built something beautiful in Johannesburg. Now he has the chance to finish the job – this time, in blue.