Johan Ackermann willing to leave Japan early for South African return

The former Lions coach has been in Japan since 2020 after a stint with Gloucester in the Gallagher Premiership between 2017 and 2020.

Ackermann led the Lions to back-to-back Super Rugby finals in 2016 and 2017, leaving the Johannesburg-based side to join the Cherry and Whites in 2017.

Following his departure from Gloucester, the ex-Springbok lock joined the Japanese team, the Red Hurricanes, before moving to the Urayasu D-Rocks last year.

Ackermann signed a three-year deal with the D-Rocks but could depart after just two, having confirmed that he is keen to return to South Africa.

"My contract only ends in a year, but I have an option to move at the end of the current season if there is another opportunity that I would prefer," Ackermann told Afrikaans newspaper Rapport.

"And yes it would be nice to be in South Africa again, but ofcourse that's if there's an opportunity and also everything that goes with it."

A highly-rated coach in South African circles, many tipped Ackermann to coach the Springboks one day.

In fact, many backed him to take on the role when Allister Coetzee was under pressure in 2017, but instead, SA Rugby opted to recruit Rassie Erasmus back to South Africa. Ackermann also coached South Africa A back in 2016.

Current Springboks coach Erasmus is contracted through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup, so it is unlikely he will get a job in South Africa anytime soon.

Meanwhile, John Plumtree looks to have turned things around at the Sharks after a difficult start to his second stint as the head coach of the Durban-based side - who Ackermann represented during his playing days.

Ivan van Rooyen has had his critics at the Lions, but the side have enjoyed a fine season and the coach reportedly signed a new deal through to 2025.

Elsewhere, the Bulls continue to perform well under Jake White's stewardship, and so do the Stormers under John Dobson, who was recently promoted to director of rugby.

The lack of positions available extends to the Griquas, Cheetahs and Pumas, limiting Ackermann's options.

READ MORE: Cheslin Kolbe: Springboks must seize the moment after double World Cup triumph