Gloucester Rugby forced to release statement on Ruan Ackermann rumours

Gloucester Rugby have been forced to release a statement surrounding the status of current club player Ruan Ackermann, as rumours of a big money switch to the Japanese league float around the media.

First broken by RugbyPass, he had originally been touted for a move back to South Africa after reportedly holding talks with the Lions earlier in the season. However, in February he chose to commit his future to Gloucester by signing a new contract with the Premiership Rugby Cup winners.

Despite electing to sign an extension with the west country side, the rumours pumped out by Neil Fissler at RugbyPass have yet to be quashed, with the most recent being the suggestion that the giant back row player would be heading out the door to play in the Japanese league for Yokohama Canon Eagles.

The Canon Eagles just last weekend lost the Japan League One third-place play-off game 33-40 to Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath, and are reportedly looking to spend big in an effort to bolster their squad for next season – hence the interest in Ackermann.

With all the discussions surrounding the Gloucester man, the club themselves have found it particularly necessary to set the record straight, stating in just a 1 sentence statement:

“Gloucester Rugby have reaffirmed that Ruan Ackermann is in contract for next season.”

The update from the club is unlikely to appease many fans, however, with there being no definitive confirmation that the 28-year-old will be at the club next season. He is simply under contract, and contracts can be overwritten.