The Vodacom Bulls were delighted to announce that a former Springbok and Stormers star has signed a long-term coaching deal with the Pretoria outfit from next season.
The Bulls on Thursday confirmed that 29-Test lock and ex-Kobe Steelers coach, Andries Bekker, has joined The Herd as assistant coach until June 2026.
He enjoyed a successful time as a player, in a career that spanned 14 years, the majority spent in the Cape with the Stormers before moving to Japan to join the Steelers.
Bekker, who made his Test debut in 2008 before retiring from professional rugby 10 years later, will link up with the Bulls from Monday for pre-season. He will primarily look after the forwards and breakdown.
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We can confirm that Andries Bekker will join the @Vodacom Bulls as an assistant coach 🐂 Welcome the legend to Loftus 👇 pic.twitter.com/yfvkOPnlPQ
— Official Blue Bulls (@BlueBullsRugby) July 20, 2023
Bulls CEO Edgar Rathbone welcomed Bekker to Loftus Versfeld, adding: “We are excited to have Andries join our coaching team, an experienced ex-player with some great rugby IP, especially in the lineouts, which we will look to tap into.
“He understands South African rugby and also brings acute attention to detail from his time working in Japan under Wayne Smith.
“We are making some changes to our coaching department, looking to bring reinforcements ahead of the new season. Our desire is to continuously surround our players with top quality coaches and mentors who can challenge them to be at their best,”
“I am confident that he is going to find our environment a great fit for him and equally, our players will enjoy being under his guidance at the front,”
“We look forward to welcoming him and his family to Loftus and I am sure he will enjoy his time with our Bulls family.”
Photo: Carl Fourie/Gallo Images