Premier League heavyweight ‘talking’ to South African teams to pursue the dream of the Springboks
Prior to the upcoming season, Ruan Ackermann, a back-row player for Gloucester, has disclosed that he is in talks with South African United Rugby Championship (URC) sides. In order to pursue his dream of being a Springbok, the 28-year-old, who signed with the Cherry and Whites in 2017, appears likely to return to South Africa.
Following in his father’s footsteps
Ackermann is qualified to play for England. Last year, he drew the attention of Steve Borthwick, but a knee injury prevented him from making his debut and maybe playing for the Red Rose team in the World Cup.
He now intends to emulate his father, Johan Ackermann, who represented the Springboks in thirteen Test matches, by representing South Africa. Ackermann has reportedly been in discussions with the Sharks, according to recent sources. He also revealed to the Afrikaans tabloid Rapport that he is “talking to a South African team,” though it was unclear which URC side was involved.
“I miss performing in South Africa,” he said to the publication. “I notice that the stadiums are filling up faster and faster. “I would like to play for the Springboks as well, and I have always felt this way.”
Ackermann can still be chosen while playing for Gloucester per to South Africa’s selection policies, but since representing South Africa ‘A’ during his time with the Lions, he hasn’t been considered for selection.
Rejecting the England call-up
This season, he will make his 150th appearance for the Cherry and Whites, a milestone he hopes to accomplish before to his departure. Ackermann clarifies that he wanted to play rugby internationally, hence he was willing to play for England.
“It’s a dream of mine to play at the highest level, and the Springboks are my first choice,” he stated. “I believe I have had enough time to establish my worth here, but that opportunity or chance never presented itself. They appear to be watching other players, in my opinion.
Gloucester has only won two of their eleven Premiership games this year, but they have fared better in the Challenge Cup, winning three of their three games. Ackermann might sign with the Sharks, who had a similarly challenging URC season. The team from Durban has only won one of their nine games played, and they have two victories out of three in the Challenge Cup. Ackermann might be recruited to the Sharks roster along with one-cap Springbok Jason Jenkins, who is heading out of Leinster at the conclusion of the season. The Sharks are trying to rebuild their team.