The Lions have emerged as leading candidates to bring Gloucester flank and Springbok hopeful Ruan Ackermann back to South Africa.
Ackermann’s representatives have been in discussions with the South African franchises, as the flanker has expressed his desire to return to the country in order to push for a call-up for the Springboks.
Sunday newspaper Rapport reported that the Sharks were keen to add Ackermann to their roster, as part of John Plumtree’s squad overhaul of the struggling Durban side.
However, it appears that the Lions are now leading the race. According to England’s Rugby Paper, Ackermann is set for a return to Ellis Park, where he started his career in 2015.
The Lions will have space to accommodate Ackermann, with Emmanuel Tshituka likely to join the Sharks next season. Tshutika would add to a stacked roster of loose forwards at Kings Park, including older brother Vincent, former Junior Springbok captain Phepsi Buthelezi and Scotland international Dylan Richardson.
This means that starting opportunities could be hard to come by for Ackermann if he moves to Durban, whereas he could form a powerful back row with Ruan Venter and Francke Horn at the Lions.
Ackermann would add plenty of experience to Ivan van Rooyen’s pack, having been part of the Lions team that played in successive Super Rugby finals in 2016 and 2017. He has also played nearly 150 games for Gloucester, which includes experience in the Champions and Challenge Cup.
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