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Colossal Springbok joins the Bulls
By Ian Cameron
Former Springbok lock Andries Bekker is joining South African URC side the Bulls as an assistant coach until June 2026. The Blue Bulls Company (BBCo.) have confirmed the appointment, welcoming the experienced coach who previously led the Kobe Steelers in Japan.
Bekker - who stands 6'10 - enjoyed a successful fourteen-year playing career, predominantly with the Stormers in Cape Town. He later ventured to Japan to represent the Kobe Steelers. Bekker's international debut was in 2008 against Wales, and he went on to earn 29 caps for the national team.
As a new addition to the Bulls family, Bekker's role will primarily involve coaching and mentoring the forwards and breakdown department. His vast experience and expertise as a former Springbok will undoubtedly bring immense value to the team. The Bulls are eagerly looking forward to his contributions as they gear up for the upcoming season, with Bekker set to join the squad at the start of their pre-season preparations on 24th July.
Edgar Rathbone, BBCo Chief Executive welcomed Bekker to Loftus: “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 Vodacom Bulls family.”
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Latest Comments
It certainly needs to be cherished. Despite Nick (and you) highlighting their usefulness for teams like Australia (and obviously those in France they find form with) I (mention it general in those articles) say that I fear the game is just not setup in Aus and NZ to appreciate nor maximise their strengths. The French game should continue to be the destination of the biggest and most gifted athletes but it might improve elsewhere too.
I just have an idea it needs a whole team focus to make work. I also have an idea what the opposite applies with players in general. I feel like French backs and halves can be very small and quick, were as here everyone is made to fit in a model physique. Louis was some 10 and 20 kg smaller that his opposition and we just do not have that time of player in our game anymore. I'm dying out for a fast wing to appear on the All Blacks radar.
But I, and my thoughts on body size in particular, could be part of the same indoctrination that goes on with player physiques by the establishment in my parts (country).
Go to commentsHis best years were 2018 and he wasn't good enough to win the World Cup in 2023! (Although he was voted as the best player in the world in 2023)
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