Gloucester Rugby: Johan and Ruan Ackermann 'in altercation'

Johan Ackermann took over as Gloucester head coach in the summer

Police are investigating reports Gloucester Rugby head coach Johan Ackermann and his son Ruan were involved in an altercation outside a nightclub.

Gloucestershire Police was called to 21 Club in Regent Street, Cheltenham, in the early hours of Sunday.

Officers are looking into reports of a disturbance between two groups of men.

The rugby club said, after reviewing evidence, it "stands by the pair unreservedly".

Chief executive Stephen Vaughan confirmed an "incident" did take place but said he was "completely satisfied" it had been instigated by others.

He added the club "takes any allegations extremely seriously" and "we have conducted a full investigation in to this matter".

Ruan Ackermann signed for the club in August

No one has been arrested, police said.

A force spokesman said: "The incident was reported just before 01:30 GMT. Police officers arrived shortly afterwards but all those involved had left the scene.

"Investigating officers will be examining CCTV footage this week and speaking to witnesses."

Johan Ackermann took over as Gloucester head coach in the summer, before the start of the 2017-18 season.

The former South Africa international has led the side to seven wins from 10 league matches so far and they are second in the Premiership table.

His son Ruan signed for the club in August and his performances were rewarded with the Premiership's Player of the Month award for November.

Both men are due to attend training later.