Springbok Coaches Seconded to Aid Vodacom Bulls

Several Springbok coaches have been seconded to the Vodacom Bulls on a short-term basis to provide technical support, following a request from the Pretoria-based franchise amid a challenging start to their United Rugby Championship season. The assistance involves assistant coaches Felix Jones and Jerry Flannery, SA Rugby MobiUnit coach Duane Vermeulen, and head of athletic performance Andy Edwards, who will offer guidance both remotely and in person as needed.

The Bulls, who sit 10th in the URC table after securing just three wins from their opening seven matches in the 2025-26 campaign, have also suffered back-to-back defeats in the Investec Champions Cup, putting them at risk of early elimination from that tournament. This marks a stark contrast to their performance last season, when they finished second in the regular season standings and reached the URC final, only to lose 32-7 to Leinster in Dublin. The team's struggles have intensified under head coach Johan Ackermann, who replaced Jake White in the offseason. Ackermann's side has already matched their total losses from the entire previous URC campaign, prompting recent changes to the coaching staff. Last week, the Bulls...