Ackermann will win trophies at Bulls'

Springbok star Kwagga Smith said he has much respect for his former Lions coach, Johan Ackermann, and believes he will win trophies now that he is at the Bulls.

- Nicholas Zaal

Ackermann (right) joined the Pretoria union following the departure of Jake White, who had coached the Bulls for five years. White and the Bulls mutually agreed to part ways after he fell out of favour with players and coaches.

During his tenure, White helped the Bulls win the Super Rugby Unlocked title, Rainbow Cup SA title, and reach three United Rugby Championship finals and one quarterfinal.

Ackermann, by contrast, has been named SA Coach of the Year three times (2014-2016). He guided the Lions to Super Rugby finals in 2016 and 2017 before joining Gloucester in England. He also coached in Japan and, most recently, has consulted for the Junior Boks.