Gloucester Rugby Addresses Ruan Ackermann Departure Rumors

(BBC Rugby Union, May 10th, 2023)

Gloucester Rugby has issued a statement addressing the recent speculation surrounding Ruan Ackermann’s potential departure from the club. The 27-year-old back-rower has been linked with a move away from the Cherry and Whites throughout the season, with reports suggesting interest from South African clubs like the Sharks and his former team, the Lions.

However, Ackermann appeared to have quashed the rumors in February when Gloucester announced that he had signed a contract extension with the Premiership club. “There is a little twist, I can’t see myself leaving yet, I want to stay on, so we are staying on,” he said in an interview at the time.

The player cited his strong connections with the “players, the staff, the people, the coaches” at Gloucester, stating that the club had become “like a second home” to him, making any potential departure a challenging decision.

Despite these previous assurances, recent reports suggest that Ackermann could still leave Gloucester for a lucrative deal in Japan, potentially joining either his father and former Gloucester head coach, Johan Ackermann, at the Urayasu D-Rocks or the Yokohama Canon Eagles.

In response to the renewed speculation, Gloucester Rugby has issued a brief statement, affirming that “Ruan Ackermann is in contract for next season.” This suggests the club is determined to retain the services of the dynamic South African, who has been a regular starter and even captain since joining from the Lions in 2017.

Gloucester’s stance mirrors their handling of a similar situation earlier this season, when they reportedly placed a £1 million price tag on releasing Zach Mercer from his contract, effectively warding off interest from French clubs.

As Gloucester prepares for the new season, they will welcome the arrivals of Wales internationals Tomos Williams and Gareth Anscombe, as well as the return of Christian Wade to the Premiership after pursuing an NFL dream. However, the club has also seen several key departures, including Harry Elrington, Santi Socino, Adam McBurney, Adam Hastings, Jonny May, and Adam Hearle.

The future of Ruan Ackermann remains a point of intrigue for bbc rugby union enthusiasts, as Gloucester appears intent on keeping the versatile forward within their ranks for the 2024/25 campaign.

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