Ackermann's return to SA gains pace

NEWS: Former Lions head coach Johan Ackermann's return to South Africa appears imminent with the news that former Scotland international Greig Laidlaw has been appointed head coach of newly-promoted Japanese outfit Urayasu D-Rocks for the upcoming 2024/25 season.

Laidlaw was assistant coach to Ackermann last season when the D-Rocks clinched promotion to the First Division of Japan’s League One after a 35-30 play-off victory against Hanazono Kintetsu Liners back in May.

Ackermann’s desire to return to South Africa has long been mooted, but last month he said in an interview with SA Rugby Mag that he would honour the final year of his three-year contract at D-Rocks.

However, Laidlaw will be the man leading them forward when they take their place amongst the elite of Japanese club rugby next season.

The 38-year-old has been in Japan since 2020 and spent three seasons playing for D-Rocks, while they were known as  Shining Arcs, before calling time on his stellar career in April 2023.

Laidlaw captained Scotland 39 times, a record for a men’s player, and scored 714 international points in 76 appearances, which puts him second behind Chris Paterson on the all-time Scotland list.

After just one season of coaching, Laidlaw now has the chance to stamp his own mark on how the D-Rocks play, and the former scrum-half is promising an entertaining brand of rugby in tune with the Japanese way.

He said: “This season, we are setting out a new vision: to play a smart, innovative, and exciting brand of rugby. We want to showcase a style of play that is not only strategic but also exhilarating for our fans”

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