Bulls bring in one former Bok, lose out on another – report

The Bulls will reportedly bolster their coaching staff with former Bok Andries Bekker, although Duane Vermeulen has turned down an offer.

The Bulls have endured an up-and-down season, and there are expected to be some changes both to their playing squad and coaching staff.

According to Sunday newspaper Rapport, towering former Springbok lock Andries Bekker – who retired in 2018 and has been coaching in Japan – has apparently agreed to join the Pretoria-based franchise as a forwards coach.

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Bekker, who is currently coaching a school team in Mossel Bay, will join a new-look coaching staff ahead of next season’s URC.

BEKKER SAYS YES, VERMEULEN SAYS NO TO BULLS

Meanwhile, Duane Vermeulen has reportedly opted against a return to Loftus as a defence and forwards coach.

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Rapport cites the fact that he wants to stay in the Western Cape, where his two sons are schooled, while suggesting he may be in discussions with the Stormers.

The 36-year-old forward is expected to transition from player to coach in the next season or two and other reports have suggested he is being primed for a top coaching role – as a defence coach – by Rassie Erasmus.

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Director of Rugby Erasmus could consider adding Vermeulen to his team as he prepares for life after Jacques Nienaber.

Vermeulen is looking for a new franchise after Ulster opted not to extend his contract.

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2023 FIXTURES:

Rugby Championship:
Saturday, 8 July – Boks vs Australia (Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria)
Saturday, 15 July – Boks vs New Zealand (Mount Smart Stadium, Auckland)
Saturday, 29 July – Boks vs Argentina (Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg)

RWC warm-up fixtures:
Saturday, 5 August – Boks v Argentina (Velez Sarsfield, Buenos Aires)
Saturday, 19 August – Boks vs Wales (Principality Stadium, Cardiff)
Friday, 25 August – Boks vs New Zealand (Twickenham, London)

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RWC fixtures:
Sunday, 10 September – Boks v Scotland (Stade Marseille, Marseille)
Sunday, 17 September – Boks v Romania (Stade de Bordeaux, Bordeaux)
Saturday, 23 September – Boks v Ireland (Stade de France, Paris)
Sunday, 1 October – Boks v Tonga (Stade Marseille, Marseille)

Weekend of 14/15 October – Quarter-finals
Weekend of 21/22 October – Semi-finals
Saturday, 28 October – Final

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