SA Rugby strike a deal with Johan Ackermann

Johan Ackermann will reportedly remain employed by SA Rugby and help coach the Junior Springboks for at least two more months.

According to Rapport, the former Lions coach – whose six-month contract as a consultant was set to expire on 30 June – has signed an extension that keeps him on the books until the completion of the World Rugby U20 Championship in Italy (29 June — 19 July).

It is understood that Saru general manager Dave Wessels’ intervention ensured Ackermann will remain with the squad throughout their campaign.

Rapport understands that any negotiations with other teams would need to accommodate Ackermann’s extended commitment to the Junior Boks.

The 54-year-old joined Saru in January after concluding his technical advisor role with Japan’s Urayasu D-Rocks.

The Junior Boks kicked off their U20 Rugby Championship last week with a 36-25 victory over Argentina at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, with Australia next up on Tuesday.

Ackermann also previously coached the Lions to two Super Rugby finals in 2016 and 2017. He joined Gloucester in England in 2018 for a few seasons before heading to Japan.

This story first appeared on sarugbymag.co.za. It is republished here with permission.