Ackermann junior quits Lions for Gloucester
Golden Lions utility forward Ruan Ackermann is heading for Gloucester to join his father Johan, the new coach of the English Premiership club.
An official with the Johannesburg-based Lions confirmed the transfer Wednesday, adding that it was subject to the South African obtaining a visa clearance.
Ackermann was part of the team beaten 25-17 at home by the Canterbury Crusaders of New Zealand last Saturday in the Super Rugby final.
He stood in as No. 8 for injured skipper Warren Whiteley recently, having previously played as a flanker and lock.
The form of the 21-year-old grabbed the attention of the national selectors and he helped South Africa A beat the touring French Barbarians 2-0 in a mid-year series.
Former Springbok lock Johan Ackermann announced several months ago that he was quitting the Lions after transforming them from easy beats into 2016 and 2017 Super Rugby runners-up.