Johan Ackermann backs Bulls’ depth after bounce-back URC campaign

The Bulls' 2026 URC campaign got off to a very difficult start, resulting in a change at the top, with Ackermann replacing Jake White as head coach.

The Pretoria men experienced a miraculous resurgence under Ackermann, making it all the way to the final of the competition, where they were beaten by Irish giants Leinster.

Despite a less-than-stellar showing in the final, Ackermann was still pleased with his side's efforts in the competition as a whole.

"It's a very tough competition. If you win it, you deserve a lot of credit. You have to deal with travel, different conditions, international call-ups and squad depth," he said.

"You need to play well at home and away. I hope people realise what a big achievement it is to win this competition. Credit to Leinster."

However, the Bulls have a fresh complication to deal with following the conclusion of the season with several of their most experienced players moving abroad.

Springboks Ruan Nortje and Kurt-Lee Arendse are heading to Japan to join the Kubota Spears and Mitsubishi Dynaboars respectively, while star prop Wilco Louw is moving down south to join the Stormers, David Kriel is moving to France to join La Rochelle in the Top 14, and the experienced Jan Serfontein retired from professional rugby.

While Ackermann concedes it's far from ideal to be losing so much experience over the off-season, he remains confident in the squad that the Bulls have built, with plenty of young talent coming through.

"It's quality players who are leaving, and we will lose a lot of experience. But rugby is an opportunity sport," he said.

"When a player leaves or gets injured, somebody else gets an opportunity, and often that player becomes a star.

"We've signed some good young players, some players from smaller unions and one or two players returning from overseas.

"Yes, we will start planning with a new squad, you can call it that, because for the first few months of the new season we will be playing with new guys.

"However, there is enough young talent in our system to hopefully carry us through that period. We're disappointed now, but we'll reflect, learn from it and move forward.

"The future of the Bulls is still very exciting."