Gloucester have confirmed that back-row forward Ruan Ackermann is to join them from Super Rugby finalists the Lions subject to visa clearance.
Ackermann has been an ever present in a strong and dominant loose trio for the Johannesburg-based outfit, and moves to Kingsholm after helping the Lions reach the final of this season’s Super Rugby competition.
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The son of Gloucester’s incoming head coach Johan Ackermann, and rated as one of the top up and coming loose forward talents in South Africa, Ruan has recently represented South Africa ‘A’ in their two-match series with the French Barbarians, ahead of the culmination of the Super Rugby season.
Gloucester director of rugby David Humphreys spoke of his excitement to see one of South Africa’s most promising talents develop in the Premiership in Cherry and White.
“We are pleased that we have been able to bring Ruan on board, and he will definitely complement our existing resources in the loose trio, an area where we have real strength in depth and competition for places,” he said.
“Johan of course knows all about the qualities that Ruan possesses, and Ruan himself knows exactly the high standards that Johan expects of his team and his players.
“Ruan has proved time and time again in Super Rugby this season how capable a player he is, taking on and matching some quality performers, and has also demonstrated his versatility in playing across the loose trio.”