Ackermann will join the Junior Springbok squad as a coaching consultant, bringing a wealth of experience to the setup.

The 54-year-old has been coaching in Japan for the past four years, following a successful three-year stint with Gloucester in England.

Before his international coaching ventures, Ackermann led the Lions from 2013 to 2018, guiding the Johannesburg-based franchise to three consecutive Super Rugby finals. He is also a three-time SA Rugby Coach of the Year and previously coached the SA ‘A’ team in unofficial Tests against the England Saxons and French Barbarians. As a player, Ackermann earned 13 Test caps for the Springboks between 1996 and 2007.

Johan Ackermann as the Gloucester head coach. Photo: X

Dave Wessels, General Manager of SA Rugby’s High-Performance Department, welcomed Ackermann’s return.

“To have someone with Johan’s experience return home and join the Junior Boks is fantastic for South African rugby. He’ll be a great mentor to both our staff and players,” said Wessels.

“After reviewing the SA U20 campaign earlier this year, we identified areas for improvement, and Johan’s appointment is part of our strategy to address these. The ultimate goal of our junior programme is to develop players who can one day become champion Springboks.”

Johan Ackermann at the Urayasu D-Rock in Japan. Photo: X

Ackermann will in January officially join the Junior Springbok coaching team, which includes head coach Kevin Foote and assistants Lumumba Currie and Melusi Mthethwa. He will remain with the team through the 2025 World Rugby U20 Championship.

Currently, Foote, Currie, and Mthethwa are in a camp with the SA U19 Academy squad, made up of players eligible to represent the Junior Boks next year. Ackermann’s addition is expected to bolster the Junior Springbok programme as it seeks to build a strong foundation for future success.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg/mvh