Gloucester name Johan Ackermann new head coach
Monday 3 April 2017 11:15, UK
Johan Ackermann has been named the new head coach of Premiership side Gloucester.
The 47-year-old South African is currently in charge of the Lions and will start his new job ahead of the 2017-18 season, once the ongoing Super Rugby campaign has concluded.
Capped 13 times by his country during his playing days as a lock forward, Ackermann was a member of the South Africa squad who won the 2007 World Cup, and also has experience of the Aviva Premiership from a spell with Northampton.
As a coach, Ackermann led the Lions to promotion back into Super Rugby in 2013, and took them to the Super Final last season, where they lost 20-3 to Hurricanes.
Australian Laurie Fisher quit the post of head coach at Kingsholm last month and next season Ackermann will look to mastermind an uplift in fortunes for a side who are currently eighth in the standings.
However, the 'Cherry and Whites' are through to the Challenge Cup semis after Saturday's 46-26 win over Cardiff.
Gloucester director of rugby David Humphreys said: "We're all delighted that Johan has agreed to become the next head coach of Gloucester Rugby.
"He is one of the top coaching talents in world rugby, and it's a significant coup for the club to recruit someone of his calibre.
"When we first spoke to Johan, we were struck by the enthusiasm and energy he displayed to take up the challenge at Gloucester. Once we had met with him, we knew he was the person we wanted to take the club forward.
"We were particularly impressed by his proven ability to take a team that has under-performed, and turned them into Championship contenders.
"Their year-on-year progression has been impressive and they are continuing that upward trend this season.
"The way that the Lions play in Super Rugby under his leadership has attracted many admirers around the world, as they have managed to create a winning brand, but are also capable of playing an attractive style of rugby."
Ackermann was named South African coach of the year in 2014, 2015 and 2016 and also led South A last season.
