Ruan Ackermann is the son of former Springbok and coach Johan Ackermann. Ruan played first XV rugby for Hoërskool Garsfontein, from 2012 to 2014, while also captaining them in 2014.
He was contracted by the Golden Lions to join their academy in 2015, while still being at school. He was then included in the Golden Lions U19 squad during the 2014 Under-19 Provincial Championship. He was named on the bench for three of their games and marked his debut against against Western Province U19 in Johannesburg, by scoring a try in a 28
Ackermann 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. Ruan was selected for the Barbarians squad in November where he came off the bench against the Springboks. Ruan was named in the South Africa 'A' squad against the French Barbarians in the two-match series in June 2017.
In August 2017, Gloucester Rugby confirmed the signing of Ackermann from the Lions.
He was named Aviva Premiership Player of the Month for November and shortlisted for Land Rover Discovery of the Year.
By 27 January 2021, Ackermann had 75 appearances scoring 11 tries for the Cherry and Whites having joined the club ahead of the 2017-18 season.
He signed a new deal with Gloucester in 2021.
JW Jan 2021
Career
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Gloucester Rugby Blindside Flanker |
2017 - present |
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Hoërskool Garsfontein Blindside Flanker |
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Lions Blindside Flanker |
2016 - 2017 |
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Golden Lions No. 8 |
2016 - 2017 |
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Barbarians Blindside Flanker |
2016 - 2017 |
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South Africa A Blindside Flanker |
2017 - 2017 |
