Ruan Ackermann: Gloucester back row signs contract extension

Ruan Ackermann joined Gloucester in 2017 and played under his father, Johan, when he was head coach of the Cherry and Whites

Gloucester back row Ruan Ackermann has extended his contract with the Premiership side.

The length of the 28-year-old's new deal at Kingsholm has not been disclosed.

Ackermann has been with Gloucester since joining from Lions in his native South Africa in 2017.

"There was lots of competition for Ruan's signature, so it's a huge coup for the club," said Gloucester director of rugby George Skivington.

"Ruan has been fantastic for us and to have a player of his quality committing his future to the club is a massive statement of trust in the direction we are heading in."

Speaking to club media, Ackermann said Gloucester feels like a "second home" and he is enjoying being a senior player in the side.

"Whatever role you play in the team, you need to be in a leader in that role," he said. "If you're put in that position, it's about not doing anything different, doing what you always do really well and trying to lead by example."