CONFIRMED: Ackermann leaves Gloucester for Japan
NEWS: English club Gloucester confirmed the departure of head coach Johan Ackermann, who will be joining Japanese club NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes in July.
Ackermann joined the Cherry and Whites at the start of the 2017/18 season, and took the team to the Final of the European Challenge Cup in his first season.
The following season ended with the club in third place in the Premiership, thus qualifying for a second successive season of European Champions Cup.
Gloucester Rugby Chairman Martin St Quinton said: “I’d look to put on record our thanks to Johan for the significant contribution he’s made to the club over the three seasons he’s been with us. His infectious enthusiasm for the game, as well as his in-depth rugby knowledge, made him not only a fans’ favourite, but a strong leader of our playing department. I wish him every success in his new venture.”
Gloucester Rugby today announce the departure of Head Coach Johan Ackermann, who will be joining Japanese club NTT DoCoMo Red Hurricanes in July.
We are thankful for Johan’s time at Gloucester Rugby and wish him the very best in his new role.
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— Gloucester Rugby (at 🏡) (@gloucesterrugby) May 15, 2020
David Humphreys, Director of Rugby, added: “While I’m sorry to see Johan leave Gloucester Rugby, I fully understand his reasons for doing so. Johan approached Martin and me to say that he had received a number of coaching opportunities which, for personal reasons, he would like to consider and we agreed to his request.
In his three years at Gloucester, Ackermann transformed the way Gloucester played the game and his “play to inspire” philosophy will leave a lasting impact from his time at the club.
Ackermann had this message for the Gloucester fans, staff and players: “Being head coach of Gloucester has been a tremendous privilege for me, and I have loved every minute of it. Working with such a fantastic group of players and coaches has been a great experience. I would especially like to thank Martin [St Quinton] for the faith that he has shown in me. His support and friendship have meant a lot to me. Gloucester Rugby fans are a truly unique group, and I will always cherish the memories I have of being at Kingsholm. I wish the club nothing but the best.”
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