The Vodacom Bulls’ new attack coach, Neil de Bruin, is no stranger to Loftus Versfeld. In fact, he’s already calling the hotel next to the stadium his new home, even though his roots remain in Paarl, Western Cape.
Turning 40 in March, De Bruin’s rugby journey has been shaped by family, mentors, and resilience. His father, Swys de Bruin, now head coach of the South African women’s team, remains a guiding influence.
“My dad has always been a great mentor,” he says. “He taught me that rugby is about people first, and that’s something I carry into every role.”
Partly raised in Kimberley while his father coached Griquas, De Bruin attended Diamantveld School, where he excelled not only in rugby but also in senior provincial cricket. Ultimately, rugby won his heart. He joined the Sharks Academy as a scrumhalf and flyhalf, later representing College Rovers, with whom he won the national club championship. His playing career included Varsity Cup for Tuks and Vodacom Cup for the Bulls, before injuries forced him to retire at just 26.
Coaching quickly became his calling. Former Springbok scrumhalf Robert du Preez gave him his first break at Potchefstroom University (Pukke), where Neil reached two Varsity Cup finals. He also coached at the Leopards. From there, he joined the Lions as high-performance coach, then teamed up with Joey Mongalo to guide the under-19s to three consecutive provincial titles.
Super Rugby beckoned, and De Bruin worked alongside his father, helping the Lions reach a final as a skills and kicking coach. In 2017, he first crossed paths with Johan Ackermann. “Working with Johan was a turning point,” Neil recalls. “We share a belief in intensity and clarity. Now, being reunited, I feel energised for what lies ahead.”
The partnership continued when they coached together in Japan from 2020 to 2024, before De Bruin returned to South Africa to lead Paarl Boys High as director of rugby. Under his guidance, the school ended 2025 ranked No 1 in the country.