Another Lions star joins Ackermann in Premiership
The Lions confirmed on Monday that injured Springbok flank Jaco Kriel will join the Premiership outfit.
Kriel, will not play for the Lions again, after he was forced to undergo shoulder surgery for a second time back in March.
The star loose forward underwent surgery last year, but that was 'unsuccessful'.
He is expected to be sidelined for another six months.
The 28-year-old, capped 11 times for South Africa, suffered the injury in the Rugby Championship Test against Australia in Perth on September 9 last year.
He underwent surgery almost immediately and was expected to miss only a few rounds of Super Rugby.
Apart from coach Ackermann, Kriel will also have the familiar face of former Lions teammate Ruan Ackermann at Gloucester.
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Director of Rugby David Humphreys spoke of his excitement in welcoming Kriel to the club.
“Jaco’s record in his career so far speaks for itself, and he is a player that Johan rates very highly. He will understand immediately what Johan expects from his players, and the style of play that we are trying to promote.
“Jaco was one of the leading players for the Lions during their development as a squad, and their drive to two Super Rugby finals, and has also been a real star in the Springbok jersey.
“At the club, we have some really exciting young players, especially in our back row forward area, and Jaco’s arrival will provide us with more world-class quality in that position, especially with the pressures put on the squad as we take on Champions Cup rugby next season.
“He has been frustrated to miss out this season with a shoulder injury, however, he has already met with all of our backroom team at Hartpury College, and he will be fit and firing come the start of the new season.”
