Bulls add former Springbok Vlok Cilliers to coaching staff before All Blacks visit

The Bulls have appointed former Springbok Vlok Cilliers to their coaching staff just days before their meeting with the All Blacks in Pretoria.

Cilliers joins the United Rugby Championship finalists as a consultant after spending seven years working with the France national team. The former South Africa international, who won one Test cap against the All Blacks in 1996, has already begun working with the Bulls squad.

The 19:00 match on Saturday will provide an immediate test for the Pretoria-based franchise, with Cilliers having joined preparations for the high-profile fixture.

Cilliers said his time in France had given him valuable experience but that discussions with Bulls head coach Johan Ackermann persuaded him that the time was right to return to South Africa.

“Being with France for seven years was an amazing time, and I picked up so much experience,” Cilliers said.

“Then Johan and I started talking and chasing ideas, and I said I want to come back.

“One thing led to another, and I think it’s a perfect set-up to come back to. The Bulls have all the potential . . . they have all the players and the coaches to win a trophy again.

“They can become even better.”

Ackermann welcomed the addition and said Cilliers’ experience at international level would strengthen the Bulls’ coaching operation. The new consultant will also be available to work with the franchise’s junior players.

“I’ve known Vlok for a long time. He’s a great person and character,” Ackermann said.

“That’s most important – to fit in our team. You look at the places he’s been coaching and the level he’s been coaching with France and the knowledge that he brings. It’s something we can add to our team.

“He can work with us and he’s also going to be available for our juniors and they can tap into his knowledge. It’s great to have a person of his stature and coaching ability join as a consultant and we look forward to his contribution.”

Cilliers has already worked closely with Bulls players including Curwin Bosch and Embrose Papier since arriving in Pretoria. His initial involvement has focused on understanding how the players view their own development and where they believe they can improve.

“I had a good chat with Curwin and with Embrose, asking how they see themselves and where they want to challenge themselves. They said they’re happy with a new voice coming in with experience, and they want to learn and get better.”

The appointment gives the Bulls access to a coach with extensive experience of working in an international environment, while Cilliers returns to a South African set-up after his long spell with France.

His arrival comes as the Bulls prepare to host the All Blacks on Saturday, with the contest scheduled to begin at 19:00 in Pretoria.