Ruan Ackermann's South Africa homecoming is confirmed

Back-row Ruan Ackermann has signed for the Stormers ahead of next season, as reported by RugbyPass.

The 29-year-old brought his eight-year stay at Gloucester to an end at the conclusion of the Gallagher Premiership season, where he made over 170 appearances for the club.

Having originally joined from the Lions in 2017 while his father, Johan, was head coach at Kingsholm, Ackermann stayed well beyond Johan’s exit in 2020, and went on to establish himself as a mainstay in the Cherry and White starting XV.

He will join a Stormers side that have already recruited Springboks Cobus Reinach and Ntuthuko Mchunu ahead of next season.

Fixture

United Rugby Championship

Stormers

01:00

27 Sep 25

Leinster

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“The support for rugby in Cape Town is second to none and there are obviously some incredible players and coaches there, so I am looking forward to what should be an exciting new journey for me and my family,” Ackermann said.

“I’m ready to give everything I have to the cause and make a positive contribution in any way I can as part of what will be a strong squad next season.”

Stormers director of Rugby John Dobson added: “Ruan is a proven performer who puts in the kind of hard work that our game model requires. Our fans can expect complete commitment from him for every minute he spends in our jersey.

“We are very excited to see the impact he will make here and I’m confident that he will become a firm favourite at DHL Stadium.”