Akkers lifts the lid on the Bulls' remarkable URC revival

When several Bulls players independently used the word "gratitude" to describe their experience under Johan Ackermann this season, it wasn't a coincidence. It's by design.

The Bulls head coach revealed ahead of Saturday's URC final against Leinster in Dublin that gratitude sits at the very top of his team's five core values, and he was candid about why.

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"For me it's important that we understand that it's a privilege to be here, it's a privilege to be at the Bulls specifically, then obviously to be part of the game of rugby," Ackermann said.

"We must be thankful that we can inspire people through what we do.

We can earn an income, you're healthy, if you were not healthy you can't play this game.

That you make friendships, that you can belong to someone, and that your family has put in a lot of time for you to live your dream and there's always somebody that sacrifices something."

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For Ackermann, the value isn't just a motivational tool, it's something he wants his players to carry with them long after their playing days are over.

"For me it starts with gratitude and it's not your right, you're not entitled to be here. But to get up in the morning and to come to work and to call this work, it's a great privilege."

The response from the players has clearly resonated. Asked about the word that kept coming up in conversations with Bulls players this season, Ackermann smiled.

"I'm so glad that the players and everybody feels the same. So it's a great privilege."

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It is a philosophy that has quietly underpinned one of the more remarkable turnarounds in URC history this season.

A long winless streak mid-season threatened to derail everything, yet the Bulls regrouped, refocused, and now find themselves one game away from the trophy.

VURC 2025/26 GRAND FINAL TOURING SQUAD 🐂 @Vodacom #URC | @URCOfficial_RSA pic.twitter.com/h7zPMF7YD3

Ackermann has always maintained that the bigger picture extends beyond results. Even at the height of the mid-season struggle, the culture held.

"I still think we've got the obligation to see where we can make a positive change and input into their lives," he said.

"But now we are in the final and obviously everyone is very grateful that the season turned out this way. It's just a great blessing and I'm thankful to the Lord for giving us this opportunity."