Stormer receives ban for URC semifinal red card
DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Stormers loose forward Ruan Ackermann has been punished for his red card in last weekend’s United Rugby Championship semifinal against Leinster in Dublin.
The 30-year-old received his marching orders in the 69th minute of the 11-20 defeat at the Aviva Stadium for a dangerous cleanout.
After a disciplinary hearing, Ackermann was handed a three-match ban, which means he will miss the start of this season’s Currie Cup.
However, should he “complete the World Rugby Coaching Intervention Programme, then the sanction will be reduced by one week”.
See the full disciplinary statement below:

The Disciplinary process related to Ruan Ackerman’s Red Card in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship Semifinal game against Leinster Rugby on Saturday, June 6 has resulted in a three-game suspension.
After an act of foul play by DHL Stormers player No 20 (Ruan Ackerman), referee Hollie Davidson showed the Player a Red Card in the 69th minute of the game under Law 9.20(a) – Dangerous play in a ruck or maul. A Player must not charge into a maul. Charging includes any contact made without binding onto another player in the ruck or maul.
In the Player’s responses to the Judicial Officer overseeing the disciplinary process (Simon Thomas), he had accepted that he had committed an act of foul play which warranted a Red Card. Mr. Thomas found that the incident met the Red Card threshold, with entry of mid-range warranting six weeks.
The Player received three weeks (50%) mitigation due to his acceptance of the Red Card and exemplary record which results in a three-game suspension.
**Should the Player complete the World Rugby Coaching Intervention Programme then the sanction will be reduced by one week.
Fixtures Ruan Ackerman is unavailable for:
DHL Stormers v Griquas, Saturday 18 July 2026, Currie Cup
Boland v DHL Stormers, Saturday 26 July 2026, Currie Cup
**DHL Stormers v Hollywoodbets Sharks, Saturday 1 August 2026, Currie Cup
Register your interest to receive priority updates on RWC27 ticket releases. Don't miss out, stay in the loop!