Ackermann explains 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.

- MIKE GREENAWAY

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 2015S.

“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.