Report: Ackermann a wanted man

SPOTLIGHT: Gloucester head coach Johan Ackermann is set to exit the Premiership club, according to reports.

The DailyMail reported, that Ackermann is expected to accept a job offer from Japanese club Docomo Red Hurricanes.

The 49-year-old joined the Cherry and Whites in 2017 and helped them to the Premiership play-offs last season.

The former Springbok lock recently extended his contract until June 2022.

However, with the financial implications of the coronavirus fueled by unrest from the players in the squad, it has been reported that Ackerman is now set to accept the deal from Japan club and leave England.

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Gloucester have been struggling this season and prior to the Premiership suspension, the club found themselves in ninth-placed in the league with just four wins from 13 games.

According to the DailyMail, the club's current form has led to players expressing their concerns to the club hierarchy.

Nonetheless, it seems like the rumours of unrest and the Premiership side's state have not deteriorated Docomo Red Hurricanes' ambition of landing Ackerman.

The former Lions coach has been linked to Osaka-based Top League team and sources have indicated that he is determined to accept their offer to relocate to the Far East.

The Daily Mail also stated if Ackermann is released by Gloucester, director of rugby David Humphreys is likely to assume more hands-on control of first-team affairs, short-term. While Dai Young and Rob Howley are among the options to replace Ackermann.

The Docomo Red Hurricanes have the likes of All Black Liam Squire in their squad.

Source: DailyMail

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