Premiership star Ruan Ackermann eyeing return to SA to chase Springbok dream

The 28-year-old headed to England in 2017 but looks set to return to South Africa in order to chase his Springbok dream.

Ackermann is eligible to represent England and caught the eye of Steve Borthwick last year, with a knee injury denying him the chance of making a debut and potentially featuring at the World Cup in the Red Rose jersey.

However, he has now set his sights on playing for South Africa, following in the footsteps of his father, Johan Ackermann, who played 13 Test matches for the Springboks.

Recent reports suggested that Ackermann was in talks with the Sharks and confirmed to Afrikaans newspaper Rapport that he is "talking to a South African team" but did not clarify which one of the URC sides.

"I miss playing in South Africa," he told the newspaper. "I see the stadiums are getting more and more full.

"At the moment, and it has always been this way, I would also like to play for the Springboks."

South Africa's selection policies do not prevent Ackermann from being selected while playing for Gloucester, but he hasn't been in the selection frame since playing for South Africa 'A' during his time with the Lions.

He is set to earn his 150th appearance for the Cherry and Whites this season, a milestone he wishes to reach before his departure. Ackermann explains that he was open to playing for England as he wants to play international rugby.

"I just want to play at the highest level, it's a dream of mine, but the Springboks are my first choice," he said.

"I feel like I have been here long enough to prove myself, and that chance or option never came. I think they have their eyes on other players."

It's been a challenging season for Gloucester, who have won just two of their 11 Premiership matches this season but have been more successful in the Challenge Cup, winning three from three.

Ackermann could join the Sharks, who have endured a similarly difficult season in the URC. The Durban-based outfit have won just one of their nine fixtures and have claimed two wins from three in the Challenge Cup.

The Sharks are looking to rebuild their squad, and Ackermann could be added alongside one-cap Springbok Jason Jenkins, who is leaving Leinster at the end of the season.

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