Fisher backs Ackermann for Gloucester job

Former Gloucester head coach Laurie Fisher thinks Johan Ackermann would be an ideal replacement if he was named in the Kingsholm hot seat.

Ackermann, who has been an outstanding leader of the Lions and took them to the Super Rugby final last year, is a candidate for the role.

The South African has yet to decide whether or not to take the job, which Fisher left following a recent Premiership defeat to Harlequins.

But the Australian thinks he would be an excellent appointment, telling Gloucestershire Live: "I just know that he has done a wonderful job with the Lions and all you can be judged on is what you are currently doing.

"They were Super Rugby finalists last year and they are flying high again this year."

He added: "I think Ackermann had a great mentor in John Mitchell at the Lions for a couple of years and will have learnt a lot of him.

"It is an enormously challenging environment in Gloucester with massive expectations, so he'll find the heat.

"But he's doing a great job where he is, so you don't see why that won't be transferable."