Ruan Ackermann set for disrupted summer after receiving ban for red card

Stormers No.8 Ruan Ackermann will not be available for the early stages of the 2026 Currie Cup after being banned for three matches following his red card in last week’s 21-12 semi-final defeat to Leinster.

Ackermann was initially yellow-carded for his dangerous clearout on Ronan Kelleher in the 69th minute, which was later upgraded to a red by referee Hollie Davidson.

The former Gloucester player admitted he had committed foul play that warranted a red card during the disciplinary process overseen by judicial officer Simon Thomas.

His admission of wrongdoing and previously clean disciplinary record led to the six-week sanction being reduced in half.

The suspension means Ackermann will miss the Stormers XXIII’s opening three Currie Cup matches against Griquas, Boland and the Sharks, although he will be eligible for the latter fixture if he successfully complete’s World Rugby’s Coaching Intervention Programme.

Stormers were only trailing by two points when he committed his act of foul play.