Departing Gloucester boss Johan Ackermann has revealed that his son Ruan Ackermann is ‘staying put’ at Gloucester Rugby as his father leaves for Japan.
Ruan, who operates across the back row for the Cherry and Whites, wants to stay in the Gallagher Premiership to try and earn an England call-up.
Ackermann told South African news outlet Independent Online: “My two youngest children are staying behind in South Africa to finish their studies and find work, while Ruan is still in England, and staying put.
“Ruan has two months to go before he qualifies to play for England and he’d very much like to have that opportunity as an option.
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“What that might lead to, and what he decides after that, is up to him. He’ll make a call on his career at a later stage.”
Ruan is thought to be in communication with England head coach Eddie Jones, and could be set for a call-up whenever the international squad next meet up.
LIST | Five senior Gloucester players set for exit in big overhaul
Gloucester are set for a significant overhaul of their playing squad that will end in at least five senior players leaving ahead of the 2020/21 Premiership season…
1. Owen Williams
The 28-year-old would have been in the frame to replace Hadleigh Parkes at international level if he’d decided to join a Welsh region, but according to the Mail Online he’s agreed on a move to Japan. Williams can play both fly-half and centre and his ball-playing ability will make him a huge loss for the Cherry & Whites.