CEO’s son to become next Bulls head coach?

Cape Town - Springbok assistant coach Johann van Graan is reportedly the favourite to become head coach of the Bulls.

Following a 51-14 loss to the Lions in Johannesburg at the weekend, the Bulls are in dire straits, having lost eight out of 11 matches in 2017.

According to Afrikaans weekly newspaper, Rapport, Nollis Marais’ tenure as Bulls coach will come to an end after this year’s Super Rugby competition.

Heyneke Meyer was believed to be the favourite to return as Bulls coach, but he has reportedly turned down an offer as he opts to stay loyal to his new employers, Carinat Sports Marketing, where he is managing director.

Van Graan, who is the son of the Blue Bulls Company’s CEO Barend van Graan, now appears to be the favourite to become the Bulls head coach.

Van Graan has been with the Boks since Meyer took over as coach in 2012 and also knows the Bulls structures well, having worked with Meyer while the latter was at the helm of the Pretoria franchise.

Former All Black coach John Mitchell and Cheetahs coach Franco Smith are also believed to be on the shortlist, but Van Graan seemingly impressed the Bulls board with his presentation.