Bulls use URC final defeat to reshape squad for 2026/27 season

Johan Ackermann says the Bulls are using the pain of last season’s United Rugby Championship final defeat by Leinster to drive changes ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

The Bulls were beaten 36-7 in Dublin after recovering from a difficult start to the tournament, during which their prospects of reaching the play-offs appeared uncertain. Ackermann, who was taking charge of an established squad for the first time, said the experience had exposed areas that needed to improve.

“By January, everything looked like we were not going to even make the playoffs,” Ackermann said.

“It was a challenging URC tournament because, obviously, it’s your first one.”

Ackermann said building a relationship with the squad had been an important part of his first season with the team. He explained that trust had to develop between the coaching staff and players before the group could perform consistently.

“They need to learn about you, and you both have to build trust. You also have to trust the players and the people around you. You start learning people’s character.”

Changes were required during the campaign, with Ackermann acknowledging that he had to adjust his plans as the season progressed.

“Halfway through the season, unfortunately, I had to make a few changes.”

Despite the late run to the final, Ackermann said the season could not be considered a complete success.

“We haven’t achieved everything we wanted to achieve when reviewing the season.”

The defeat by Leinster remains a significant motivation for the Bulls, with fitness identified as one of the main priorities before the new campaign. Rupert Oberholster has been appointed head of athletic performance as part of the effort to improve the team’s physical condition.

“The way we want to play the game, we need to be a bit fitter,” Ackermann said.

He believes Oberholster’s approach will fit closely with the coaching philosophy and help improve cooperation between the different departments involved in preparing the players.

“Rupert almost thinks the way I think. His strength is getting the best out of players, and also his systems and the communication between the coaching staff and the medical staff.”

The Bulls have also undergone significant changes to their playing group. Ruan Nortje, Wilco Louw and Kurt-Lee Arendse are among those to have left, while Thaakir Abrahams, Curwin Bosch, Hanro Liebenberg and Dylan Maart are among the new arrivals.

Ackermann accepts that the squad has lost significant quality but believes the incoming players can give the Bulls a different identity.

“We’ve lost quality players,” Ackermann said.

“They bring a different DNA, and I think we can play a little differently.”

However, he warned that rebuilding too quickly could affect the team’s stability. While new talent is important, Ackermann said the Bulls must retain the unity that helped them recover during the previous season.

“The more you change, the longer it takes to settle as a squad. Talent is one thing, but it’s that cohesion and spirit that we must keep alive.”

Alongside the new signings, Ackermann is looking to the Bulls’ younger players to challenge the established members of the squad. He hopes the Currie Cup and opportunities to train with the senior team will help identify players capable of earning a place in the Bulls side.

“I’m excited about the players coming in, but just as excited about the players we already have, our youngsters. I want them to realise they need to put pressure on the senior players.

“Hopefully, through the Currie Cup and by training with us, some of these young players will show us that, in future, we can hand them the jersey rather than going outside the union to find it.”