Johan Ackermann back in SA Rugby structures with role at Junior Springboks

Former Lions and SA A coach, Johan Ackermann, will return to South Africa after seven years abroad to lend his experience to the Junior Springbok squad as a coaching consultant.

The 54-year-old will return from Japan, where he has been coaching for the last four years. Ackermann coached the Red Hurricanes from 2020-2022 and Urayasu D-Rocks from 2023. Previously, he spent three seasons with Gloucester in England.

His last position in South Africa was with the Lions from 2013 to 2018, during which he led the Johannesburg-based franchise to three consecutive Super Rugby finals (2016-2018).

Ackermann, who has won the SA Rugby Coach of the Year award three times, also led the SA A team in 2016 against the England Saxons and in 2017 against the French Barbarians.

Additionally, he played 13 Tests as a lock for the Springboks between 1996 and 2007.

READ | Snyman banks on experience as Blitzboks eye 6th straight Dubai title success

"To have someone with Johan's experience return home and join the Junior Boks is fantastic for South African rugby, and he'll be a great mentor to both our staff and players," said Dave Wessels, General Manager of SA Rugby's High-Performance Department.

"Following our review of the SA U20 campaign earlier this year, we identified certain areas for improvement, and bringing in Johan is one of the many ways we aim to address these. The goal of our junior programme is to develop players who can one day go on to become champion Springboks."

Ackermann will join the Junior Springbok coaching team in January. The other coaching members include head coach Kevin Foote and assistants Lumumba Currie and Melusi Mthethwa.

Ackermann will remain with the team until the conclusion of the 2025 World Rugby U20 Championship.

Foote