'A huge coup': Ackermann decides his playing future

NEWS: South African loose forward Ruan Ackermann has signed a contract extension with English club Gloucester.

The 28-year-old was strongly linked with a move back to South Africa. However, Gloucester fought off the competition for his signature.

Ackermann will head into his eighth season in Gloucester this year, having arrived at Kingsholm in 2017, joining his father, Johan, who was head coach at the time.

The South African-born loose forward is comfortable across the whole back row, and quickly established himself as a Kingsholm favourite with his hard-hitting and strong carrying abilities.

Ackermann is consistently one of the top players in the Premiership for carries and metres made and was voted Gloucester Rugby’s Players’ Player of the Season for 2021/22.

Director of Rugby, George Skivington, is pleased to keep Ackermann at Kingsholm.

"There was lots of competition for Ruan’s signature, so it’s a huge coup for the club.

"Ruan has been fantastic for us and to have a player of his quality committing his future to the club is a massive statement of trust in the direction we are heading in.

"Everyone at Gloucester is delighted that Ruan will be in Cherry & White next season."