Ruan Ackermann ready for Lions homecoming?
Reports suggest that former Lions star Ruan Ackermann could be set to return to the Johannesburg-based side in his Bok pursuit.
Recently, England-based Gloucester forward Ruan Ackermann stated his desire to return to South Africa, hopefully to get back on the Springboks radar.
Ackermann has been playing for Gloucester since 2017, where he has enjoyed great success and also captained the English club after bursting through the ranks at the Lions.
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The 28-year-old has made over 125 appearances for Gloucester, and has been close to the England mix at times after qualifying on the residency rule, but ultimately it appears those international dreams have been dashed.
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According to a report in English publication the Rugby Paper, Ackermann could be set for a return to the Lions where he could be a perfect replacement for young loose forward Emmanuel Tshituka, who is set to head to the Sharks.
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RUAN ACKERMANN READYING FOR LIONS RETURN?
In an interview with Sunday newspaper Rapport, Ackermann confirmed he is ready for a change of scenery.
“I am talking to South African teams,” Ackermann told Rapport. “I miss playing in South Africa. I see the stadiums starting to get more and more full.
“At the moment, and it has always been like this, I would also like to play for the Springboks.”
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CLEAR PLANS IN PLACE
Ruan Ackermann’s contract with Gloucester will end later this year, and by the sounds of it, he is intent on returning to his home land – and quite possibly his former Lions team.
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