Ackermann approached by Gloucester

Gloucester have moved to replacing Laurie Fisher by approaching Lions boss Johan Ackermann, the South African admitted this week.

Ackermann is highly regarded both in South Africa and beyond after guiding the Lions to Currie Cup titles and the Super Rugby final in 2016.

The former Springbok discussed the approach from Gloucester ahead of his side’s meeting with the Reds at Ellis Park.

“I have been offered an opportunity to go there and I am in the process of examining all the pros and the cons,” Ackermann said.

“I will make a decision sooner than later because I don’t want the team to be distracted. We have a tournament to perform in, but I will obviously make the call when the time is right.”

Asked whether he had set a deadline to make a decision on Gloucester’s offer, Ackermann revealed one was not in place.

“I don’t want the players to be in two minds and worry about my future. I want them to focus. For now, we have got a Reds game to win,” he added.

“If you put a timeframe to it, then the players will start guessing – Is it this week, is it next week?

“At this stage I can only say there is an offer on the table and it is something I am looking at.”