Young Bull Reinhardt Ludwig’s leadership earns Johan Ackermann’s trust on URC tour

It’s been a season of growth and quiet authority for Bulls lock Reinhardt Ludwig,  one that now sees the 23-year-old emerge as a genuine leader within the squad.

Ludwig’s composed performance as stand-in captain in last week’s hard-fought win over Connacht caught the attention of coach Johan Ackermann, who believes the young forward is beginning to mature into one of the Bulls’ most influential figures on and off the field.

The Bulls’ United Rugby Championship tour has tested the depth and resolve of Ackermann’s men. Ludwig was handed the captaincy for the match in Galway in the absence of senior stars such as Ruan Nortjé and Marcell Coetzee, a move that paid off handsomely as the Bulls ground out a crucial away victory.

Ludwig’s progression has been one of the Bulls’ quieter success stories this season. Long regarded as a player with athletic promise, he is now coupling that physicality with authority, consistency and clear communication, traits that have marked his rise in the pecking order.

“He’s a natural leader. Reinhardt speaks well to the players, but more importantly, he leads with his game. It means a lot that he brought so much composure to a tough tour match like that,” said Ackermann.

“He’s earned the players’ respect. When you’ve got someone that young who already understands how to manage moments under pressure, you know the team is in good hands.

“What impressed me most was the quality of his decisions, those experiences are priceless for his development.”

The Bulls now head to Scotland to face the Glasgow Warriors on Friday night. It remains to be seen whether Ackermann will keep Ludwig on as captain, especially with Coetzee set to return after passing concussion protocols.

“Ruan is our captain and Marcell was the stand-in when he was unavailable, while Grobbies (Johan Grobbelaar) has also led the team,” Ackermann explained.

“Now Reinhardt has shown that he’s very comfortable in that role. That’s what you want in a squad — layers of leadership and players who can take charge when needed.”

The Bulls will travel to Scotstoun without Springbok prop Wilco Louw and utility back Canan Moodie, who will both be rested ahead of the upcoming November Tests. Flyhalf Handré Pollard has also returned home to South Africa for the birth of his child.