Like father like son?
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - AUGUST 05: Ruan Ackermann after loosing to the Crusaders during the Super Rugby Final match between Emirates Lions and Crusaders at Emirates Airline Park on August 05, 2017 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Gallo Images)
Lions loose forward Ruan Ackermann has been linked with a move to Gloucester to join father Johan ahead of the 2017/2018 season.
Ackermann senior is expected to begin his tenure as Gloucester coach as early as this week ahead of the Premiership campaign which starts on September 1. He finished his five-year-stint with the Lions after their 25-17 Super Rugby final loss to the Crusaders on Saturday.
According to Afrikaans Sunday newspaper, Rapport, Ackermann has agreed to a 'competitive' offer from Gloucester and will join them and his father.
The news comes after reports emanating from English website, Gloucestershire Live, last week that Gloucester hoped to bring in fresh faces.
The Gloucester squad currently has 37 senior players on their books. CEO Stephen Vaughan has said he wants to have a squad of 'around 40 to low 40s'.
In that same news report, 21-year-old Ruan Ackermann was one of the transfer targets mentioned.
Assistant coash of the Lions for five years Swys de Bruin will take charge of the Johannesburg-based outfit next season.