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Johan Ackermann drops big hint on future with podcast admission

By Neil Fissler
Johan Ackermann

Johan Ackermann admits that he wants to move back to South Africa when his contract with Japanese outfit Urayasu D-Rocks runs out next year.

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The former Lions and Gloucester boss, talking on the To the Last Drop podcast, said that he has taken a step back from day-to-day involvement in coaching the Japan League One outfit and is now consulting and mentoring.

He misses South Africa and would like to return to South Africa but is open-minded about where he wants to work and would even consider a move back to Europe if there wasn’t anything available in his homeland.

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Rassie Erasmus on his rivalry with Razor Robertson

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Rassie Erasmus on his rivalry with Razor Robertson

Ackermann, a former Springbok international, would also look at a move into international rugby, which he says is something that has interested him for a long time.

Johan Ackermann

“There is a part of me that really misses South Africa, and hopefully, in a year’s time, I can leave them (Urayasu D-Rocks) in a good space.

“Only time will tell where I go but there is a big part of me that longs to coach the way I want to coach and build relationships with players.

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“And because I’ve got 10 months left on my contract, I haven’t really spoken to anybody. My house is in Pretoria, but I’ve got no preference.

“Obviously, all the teams did well last season, and the coaches did well. I’m under no illusion. Will there be an opportunity? I don’t know.

“Maybe I could stay in Japan just at another club or go back to Europe if the opportunity is there. But I feel I can make a big difference in South Africa.

“In South Africa, players love to carry out instructions. You know what you get, and it’s a question of tapping into the talent, but it’s obviously about opportunity.

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“International rugby is a level I’d love to experience. Again, if that opportunity comes up, I’ll consider it,” said Ackermann.

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Bull Shark 47 minutes ago
Why Rassie Erasmus should cull some Boks veterans for 2027

I think cull is the wrong word.


I think Rassie and the senior players will be pretty open and honest with each other about their prospects for another World Cup campaign. And, ironically, I don’t think Rassie is thinking as far ahead as 2027 in terms of who is going to go.


There are likely going to be injuries too where players one would assume will be at 2027 won’t feature. Think Marx and Am and 2023.


I think the priority is really having as many players as possible in contention for a spot on the 33 by the time squad selection comes around.


I made this point a while ago, but having double World Cup winners in the setup over the next 3 years is going to be golden for the boks. It’s like having a coach in each position.


Razor was criticized for having too many coaches in his team. Rassie has more than 15 player coaches at his disposal.


I think Siya is being teed up to play the same role Duane did at the 2023 RWC. Invitation to the coaching box this coming weekend included.


I think many of the old guard are playing a role in the team that certainly does not guarantee them a 2027 place but doesn’t hurt their chances at being selected - but they will have to be the no.1 or no. 2 best in that position to be selected at that time. There won’t be any dead weight - whether old or young.


In my mind the strategy would be quite simple. Take everyone who will be over 32 by 2027 and pencil their names in right now in slot number three for their relative position. We know what they can do and they know what they need to do to be in contention for 2027.


Then ask yourself who do we have to take position no.1 and no. 2. Tried and tested or not. Find them and trial them over the next 3 years. Their job is to keep the old guys out. And the old guys job is to help them do just that.


That’s what Rassie has to do and has started well trying 48 players and 11 debutants in year one as the article mentioned (and winning).


I reckon there’ll be another 5-10 new players tried by the end of this year, particularly in November.


2024 ✅

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