The worst-kept coaching secret of the year is out: former Cats and Golden Lions coach Frans Ludeke is the new coach of the Bulls.
Ludeke’s appointment was confirmed by the Blue Bulls Company on Tuesday night after weeks of speculation. He will now join the team in George on Wednesday night.
The Super 14 champions, who started their training for the defence of their title in 2008 three weeks ago, will train in the coastal town for the next three weeks, as they did last year.
Ludeke’s appointment comes after seven candidates were interviewed to fill the vacancy left by Heyneke Meyer.
It has become common knowledge that Ludeke was the man the Bulls wanted, but they declined to comment before the contractual aspects, among others matters, had been finalised.
Ludeke, who has been appointed for three seasons — with his contract running until the end of the 2010 season — was overjoyed at his new role.
”I see this as an unbelievable honour. It is a big challenge for me to ensure the same sort of continuity and to continue building on the same structure which has brought so much honour and success to the Blue Bulls over the years,” he said on Tuesday night.
His appointment came as a surprise to many after a poor record as coach of the Cats in the Super 12. However, he now has a vastly more talented group of players to work with.
According to Blue Bulls CEO Barend van Graan, the choice shows the level of confidence they have in Ludeke’s abilities.
”Frans was the best candidate in the selection process that took place to find the ideal candidate. His vision is the same as his predecessor Heyneke Meyer and this is complimentary to the Blue Bulls’ vision as a trademark in the professional era,” Van Graan said in a statement.
He said the team’s management, coaching staff and players were excited at the prospect of Ludeke joining them and that he fits in well with the Bulls’ culture at Loftus Versfeld.
Chairperson of the Blue Bulls Company and president of the Blue Bulls Rugby Union (BBRU), Boet Fick, wished Ludeke well in his new position.
”The directorship and the BBRU will give him all the support necessary to ensure a successful time at the helm of the team. There is no doubt in my mind that he is the right person to fill the big shoes that Heyneke Meyer wore successfully for so long at Loftus Versfeld.” – Sapa