Bulls coach Johan Ackermann explains Wilco Louw's departure for the Stormers

Bulls coach Johan Ackermann says he is sorry that Springbok strongman Wilco Louw has chosen to return to the Stormers next season, but he emphasizes that the player’s happiness must come first.

This attitude is what you would expect from Ackermann, one of the game’s true gentlemen.

Louw will see out his contract at the Bulls and move back to the Cape for the 2026/27 season.

Louw is a product of Worcester Cape and made his Stormers debut in 2015.

“Wilco has proven over the last couple of seasons that he is one of the best, if not the best, tighthead in the world,” Ackermann said.

“It is a big loss, but the life of the person is more important than the game, for me.

“Wilco’s family is more important. His decision as a father is more important.

“Wilco felt, for personal reasons, he needed to be closer to the family farm and closer to Cape Town.

“It was not a money thing. It’s not like we didn’t fight for him and didn’t want him.

“It’s a decision that we respect, and therefore, we can just thank him for what he has done for Bulls rugby.

“And hopefully, this year, he has a great final season with us,” he added.

Meanwhile, Ackermann says the Bulls are not where they would like to be as their opening match — against the Ospreys in Pretoria next week — looms.

“I think there may be a perception that the team that played in the URC final will also play against the Ospreys, but that is not going to be the case,” he told the media on Thursday.

“I’m going to be honest: I don’t think we are 100 percent where we want to be with our preparation. We first had to find synergy between our coaches, and I also had to get to know the players better.

“But the biggest obstacle so far has been injuries, which have meant that we haven’t been able to train with the same 15 players. There are constant injuries and minor injuries, which is worrying.”

The Bulls will be without Springboks Canan Moodie, Handré Pollard, Marco van Staden, Ruan Nortjé, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, and Wilco Louw, while Kurt-Lee Arendse, Johan Goosen, Cameron Hanekom, Elrigh Louw, Ruan Vermaak, Akker van der Merwe, Gerhard Steenekamp, and Reinhardt Ludwig are also injured.

Better news is that veteran flank Marcell Coetzee is fit and ready for another season. He will captain the Bulls while Nortjé is on Bok duty.

“We are privileged to have many leaders in the group, but Marcell is a logical choice,” Ackermann said. “The guys have great respect for him and the way he trains and lives our values. Ruan is our captain for the season, but if he’s not here, Marcell will lead the team.”

Ackermann said that with so many star players indisposed, the door is open for fresh talent to impress.

“Almost every Springbok had an opportunity earlier in his career because of a player in a starting team getting injured. I certainly can’t question the players’ commitment — they work hard and it makes me proud to be the coach of this team.”

The Bulls start the campaign with home matches against the Ospreys and defending champions Leinster before touring Ireland (Ulster and Connacht) and Scotland (Glasgow).

“We’re touring early and playing some of the top teams in the competition,” said Ackermann. “But for now, we’re just focusing on the Ospreys. If you look too far ahead, you risk missing the small details.”