JOHANNESBURG - Golden Lions utility forward Ruan Ackermann is heading for Gloucester to join his father Johan, the new coach of the English Premiership club.
An official with the Johannesburg-based Lions confirmed the transfer on Wednesday, adding that it was subject to the South African obtaining a visa clearance.
Ackermann was part of the team beaten 25-17 at home by the Canterbury Crusaders of New Zealand last Saturday in the Super Rugby final.
He stood in as No. 8 for injured skipper Warren Whiteley recently, having previously played as a flanker and lock.
The form of the 21-year-old grabbed the attention of the national selectors and he helped South Africa A beat the touring French Barbarians 2-0 in a mid-year series.
Former Springbok lock Johan Ackermann announced several months ago that he was quitting the Lions after transforming them from easy beats into 2016 and 2017 Super Rugby runners-up.
It's been an incredible journey 🙌🏻 God has truly blessed me and this lions Family with an awesome 2 years!! Thanks for all the support. pic.twitter.com/N2WxgRtpn2
— Ruan Ackermann (@RuanAckermann) August 7, 2017