Blue Bulls Welcome Former Springbok into Coaching Staff

The Blue Bulls Company (BBCo.) confirmed that former Springbok and Kobe Steelers coach, Andries Bekker has joined the South African franchise in the capacity of assistant coach until June 2026.

A former Springbok, Bekker enjoyed a successful stint as a player, in a career that spanned fourteen years spending majority of his time in Cape Town with the Stormers before moving to Japan to join the Steelers. The towering second rower made his winning debut (playing against Wales) back in 2008, and went on to make 29 appearances for the national side.

Bekker will link up with the squad from Monday (24th July) when the team begins pre-season training and will primarily look after the forwards and breakdown department. 

Edgar Rathbone, BBCo Chief Executive welcomed Bekker to Loftus, going on to say: “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.”