VIDEO: Ackermann flourishing in England

Ackermann has been named Premiership Rugby Player of the Month for November 2017.

Ackermann has made a huge impression at Kingsholm, helping his side into the top four of the Premiership since arriving in the summer from the Lions.

Rugby World Cup winner Will Greenwood is in the perfect position to assess Ackermann's qualities having coached him while he played for the Barbarians against the All Blacks.

"Every team needs a Ruan," said Greenwood. "The guy is a total team player, with an immense work ethic.

"I found Ruan epically fit, a player who is unbelievable shape. He is so dynamic, tough physically and mentally."

Greenwood believes Ackermann has made a massive impact at Gloucester, adding: "The reality is every successful team needs a Ruan, the total team player, who has immense work ethic, awareness of space and he will always make the important tackles."

Ackermann was judged by a panel of experts as the player who made the biggest impact in the league over the month. 

He was involved in a four-way battle for the latest title, eventually beating Worcester Warriors pair Josh Adams and Francois Hougaard and Olly Woodburn of Exeter Chiefs to the title.

Ackermann's father Johan Ackermann is the current head coach of Gloucester.