Ackermann considering Gloucester offer
Lions head coach, Johan Ackermann, dropped a bombshell during a routine media briefing when he admitted he is seriously considering an offer from English club Gloucester.
Ackermann was linked to Gloucester this week as a potential replacement for the Australian head coach Laurie Fisher, who quit last week following a 30-27 defeat by Harlequins.
This could effectively mean that Ackermann's successful tenure at the Jo'burg franchise could end as soon as the current Super Rugby season.
"I have been offered an opportunity to go there and I am in the process of examining all the pros and the cons," said Ackermann.
"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."
Ackermann is, however, reluctant to attach a time frame to his decision.
"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."
"If you put a time frame 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," he concluded.
Meanwhile, Ackermann has restored some semblance of normality to the team for Saturday's Super Rugby clash against the Reds at Ellis Park.
The Lions head coach banked on what many considered to be a second-string team against the Jaguares in Buenos Aires last week, but has reverted back to a more familiar combination this week.
Springbok lock Franco Mostert will make his 50th Super Rugby appearance.
The 26-year-old tight forward, who had to revive his career following a potentially career-ending hip injury sustained in a car accident, made his debut for the Johannesburg franchise back in 2014 against the Cheethas.
Flanker Jaco Kriel and hooker Malcom Marx are the other returnees up front.
Elton Jantjies and Faf de Klerk resume their half back pairing and Lionel Mapoe and Rohan Janse van Rensburg form the midfield combination.
Andries Coetzee regains the number 15 jersey while Parktown Boys High old boy and SA Under-20 winger Madosh Tambwe will make his Super Rugby debut on the right wing.
Twitter - @SportswaveAndre
This could effectively mean that Ackermann's successful tenure at the Jo'burg franchise could end as soon as the current Super Rugby season.
"I have been offered an opportunity to go there and I am in the process of examining all the pros and the cons," said Ackermann.
"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."
Ackermann is, however, reluctant to attach a time frame to his decision.
"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."
"If you put a time frame 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," he concluded.
Meanwhile, Ackermann has restored some semblance of normality to the team for Saturday's Super Rugby clash against the Reds at Ellis Park.
The Lions head coach banked on what many considered to be a second-string team against the Jaguares in Buenos Aires last week, but has reverted back to a more familiar combination this week.
Springbok lock Franco Mostert will make his 50th Super Rugby appearance.
The 26-year-old tight forward, who had to revive his career following a potentially career-ending hip injury sustained in a car accident, made his debut for the Johannesburg franchise back in 2014 against the Cheethas.
Flanker Jaco Kriel and hooker Malcom Marx are the other returnees up front.
Elton Jantjies and Faf de Klerk resume their half back pairing and Lionel Mapoe and Rohan Janse van Rensburg form the midfield combination.
Andries Coetzee regains the number 15 jersey while Parktown Boys High old boy and SA Under-20 winger Madosh Tambwe will make his Super Rugby debut on the right wing.
Twitter - @SportswaveAndre