Bulls’ shortlist to replace Jake White a two-horse race – report

The Bulls want to decide before Monday, July 21 whether Franco Smith or Johan Ackermann will take over the reins as their director of rugby, according to a report in the South African media.

Meanwhile, two other candidates – Jacques Nienaber and Johann van Graan – who were on their initial shortlist to replace the recently departed Jake White are not available for the position.

Nienaber’s contract as Irish province Leinster’s senior coach runs until 2026 while Van Graan is contracted as English club Bath’s head coach until 2030.

Two candidates to be interviewed within the next week

According to Rapport, the Bulls board are set to interview Ackermann and Smith within the next week to decide who will become the Pretoria-based outfit’s new director of rugby ahead of the 2025/26 season.

Ackermann’s major strength is how he manages players individually and as a team to get the best out of each of them.

Meanwhile, what counts in Smith’s favour is his technical knowledge of the game and tactical ability as a coach.

Smith is a proven winner who has already won trophies as head coach of the University of the Free State (Varsity Cup), Cheetahs (Currie Cup) and Glasgow Warriors (United Rugby Championship).

If the Bulls decide that Smith is their preferred candidate to take over their coaching reins, they will have to work hard to acquire his services as he is still contracted to the Warriors until 2026.

His name has also been mentioned as a possible successor to Gregor Townsend as Scotland’s national coach. Smith was also linked to the head coaching position at Leicester Tigers after Michael Cheika announced that he would step down from that role.

He is currently in South Africa where his two sons, Jean and Franco Junior, will be in action in the Currie Cup for the Sharks and Cheetahs respectively.

The 52-year-old was diplomatic when asked about his chances of replacing White at the Bulls.

Bulls officially confirm ex-Springboks star’s return as search for Jake White’s successor continues

“I see in the newspapers and media there is so much speculation,” he told the Rapport Praat Sport podcast. “I’m still under contract in Scotland. Yes, there are a lot of challenges in Glasgow and Scottish rugby.

‘It’s a privilege to be named’

“It’s nice and I really appreciate being named in that (Bulls) company. It’s a privilege to be named. We’ll just see how things play out.”

While Smith’s association with the Warriors complicate things for the Bulls, their negotiations with Ackermann should be much easier if they decide to give him the position.

Ackermann’s contract with the Junior Springboks will come to an end after World Rugby’s U20 Championship which is currently underway in Italy. However, the 55-year-old has received an offer from SA Rugby to extend his contract with the Junior Boks.

Ackermann is an experienced coach, who had coaching stints at the Lions, Gloucester and Japanese clubs Red Hurricanes and Urayasu D-Rocks, is part of the South Africa U20 team’s coaching staff with Kevin Foote and Melusi Mthethwa.

Meanwhile, Bulls president Willem Straus has assured his fellow executive members that they will have their new coaching staff in place when they start their pre-season preparations for the upcoming United Rugby Championship campaign on July 21.

“We surely have a team which is amongst our best in our 87-year history,” he said via a WhatsApp message.

“What has contributed to our culture of excellence over the past five years remains in place: Leadership that shares the same vision and strategies, aligns structures and keeps our ecosystem and pipeline strong with our policy of growth and excellence at every level.

“Jake has added tremendous value to our proud union’s legacy.

“Our Currie Cup team begins its campaign at the end of the month. Due to the packed rugby calendar, the Currie Cup now has a different role in our planning. It offers our fringe players game time and the opportunity to strive for higher laurels.”

READ MORE: Bulls’ four-man shortlist to replace Jake White includes Jacques Nienaber and two former Springboks