TL;DR: Ruan Ackermann (born 29 December 1995) is a South African professional rugby union player who has made over 170 appearances for Gloucester Rugby in the English Premiership. Recently released by Gloucester, he’s now in advanced talks to join the Stormers in a homecoming move to South Africa.
Personal Details and Early Life
Ruan Ackermann was born on December 29, 1995, making him 29 years old as of 2025. Standing 1.93 m tall (6 ft 4 in) and weighing in at 112 kg, Ackermann cuts an imposing figure as a back-row forward who primarily plays as a flanker.
Rugby runs in the Ackermann bloodline. He is the son of Johan Ackermann, a former provincial rugby player who also made thirteen appearances for the South African national team. Johan later became a successful coach, which would prove instrumental in Ruan’s career trajectory.
Educational and Youth Career
Ackermann played high school rugby for Hoërskool Garsfontein, where he featured for their first XV from 2012 to 2014, also captaining them in 2014, where he helped them reach the final of the Beeld Trophy. Unlike many South African rugby prospects, he didn’t represent the Blue Bulls at Craven Week level and was instead contracted by Johannesburg-based side the Golden Lions to join their academy from 2015.
Even while still at school, Ackermann’s talent was evident. He was included in the Golden Lions U19 squad during the 2014 Under-19 Provincial Championship and was named on the bench for three of their matches. His debut was memorable, as he marked his debut – a Round Ten match against Western Province U19 in Johannesburg – by scoring a try in a 28–8 victory.
Professional Career Beginnings
Ackermann’s senior career began with the Golden Lions, where he made steady progress through the ranks. In December 2015, Ackermann was included in the 55-man Lions squad that prepared for the 2016 Super Rugby season. His Super Rugby debut came in 2016 when he made his Super Rugby debut in 2016 against the Sunwolves coming off the bench and became a regular in the starting line up in the 2016 Currie Cup.
The young flanker’s international potential was recognized early. Ackermann was named in a 37-man South Africa Under-20 training squad in March 2015, but missed out on selection for their final squad for the 2015 World Rugby Under 20 Championship. However, he later earned recognition when Ruan was selected for the Barbarians squad in November where he came off the bench against the Springboks and was named in the South Africa ‘A’ squad against the French Barbarians in the two-match series in June 2017.
Move to Gloucester Rugby
A significant turning point in Ackermann’s career came in 2017 when he followed his father to England. Ruan Ackermann has joined Gloucester from Super Rugby finalists Lions, subject to visa clearance. The South African flanker is the son of incoming head coach, Johan Ackermann. This move to Gloucester Rugby in the English Premiership would define the next chapter of his career.
Ruan Ackermann signed with Gloucester Rugby in the summer of 2017, joining the club from the Lions’ Super Rugby squad in South Africa. His impact at Kingsholm was immediate and sustained, becoming a cornerstone of the Gloucester pack.
Career Statistics and Achievements
During his time at Gloucester, Ackermann established himself as one of the most consistent performers in the English Premiership. The back-rower made over 170 appearances for the Cherry & Whites, helping them win the Premiership Rugby Cup in 2024 and reach the Challenge Cup final. His versatility in the back row and consistent performances made him a fan favorite and often saw him captain the side.
Ackermann’s playing style is characterized by his physical presence, strong lineout work, and ability to carry the ball effectively in tight spaces. His experience across multiple competitions, including Super Rugby, the Currie Cup, and the English Premiership, has given him a well-rounded skill set that suits the modern game.
Recent Career Developments
After eight successful seasons at Gloucester, Ackermann’s time in England has come to an end. Ruan Ackermann is in advanced talks to join the Stormers following his release by Gloucester, which the West Country club announced before the end of last season. This represents a homecoming for the South African, who is set to return to play in the United Rugby Championship.
The move wasn’t without its complexities. He was one of 19 players to depart Kingsholm at the end of the season, just a year after coming close to joining Japanese outfit Yokohama Canon Eagles on a lucrative two-year deal — a move Gloucester ultimately blocked.
Personal Life
Beyond rugby, Ackermann values family and stability. Ackermann got married June 2022 to Kirsty. The pair met through his brother who got her number for him. His family connections remain strong, particularly with his father Johan, who recently took on a new challenge as head coach of the Bulls.
Looking Forward
As Ackermann prepares for the next phase of his career with the Stormers, he brings with him a wealth of experience from playing at the highest levels of professional rugby. His journey from schoolboy rugby in Pretoria to starring in the English Premiership demonstrates both his talent and determination. At 29, he still has several productive years ahead of him and will be looking to contribute to the Stormers’ ambitions in both the United Rugby Championship and European competitions.
Ruan Ackermann’s career exemplifies the modern rugby professional – versatile, experienced across multiple competitions, and capable of adapting to different playing styles and environments. His return to South African rugby represents not just a homecoming, but the continuation of a career that has already achieved considerable success on multiple continents.
