Bulls boss Johan Ackermann has revealed why he wasn’t keen on making a veteran Springbok forward his third big-name signing from Japan next season.
Quoted by Sunday news outlet Rapport, Ackermann explained that while reuniting with lock Franco Mostert at Loftus Versfeld was attractive, it didn’t benefit the future of the Pretoria outfit.
While the former Lions coach acknowledged his relationship with Mostert and the 35-year-old’s qualities, Ackermann believes the Bulls must prioritise the development of youngsters Reinhardt Ludwig and JF van Heerden following Ruan Nortjé’s departure.
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“When Ruan moved on, the door opened for Reinhardt and JF. Other young locks could also come through soon,” Ackermann said.
“For this reason, it is difficult to [bring Mostert in] now, even though we know his contribution will be good and who he is.”
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Ackermann has also dismissed suggestions that he used his previous coaching relationships to persuade double World Cup winners Malcolm Marx and Kwagga Smith to join the Bulls, saying both players made their own decisions.
“I didn’t call them at all. When their names came up on the table, it was through their agents,” he said.
“I didn’t want to use that relationship to influence them. I really wanted them to make the decision themselves to come to the Bulls.”
Photo: Chris Ricco/Getty Images
The post Bok lock’s move to Loftus shut down appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Bulls boss Johan Ackermann has revealed why he wasn’t keen on making a veteran Springbok forward his third big-name signing from Japan next season.
The post Bok lock’s move to Loftus shut down appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
